As of April 2, 2025, European nationals must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to travel to the United Kingdom. This marks the final stage of deployment of the U.K. ETA requirement, after all other already eligible nationals.

As of early March 2025, the ETA application system is open for E.U. nationals as well. E.U. travelers must now factor in time and cost (GBP 10 per person) when planning to go to (or transit through) the U.K.

The E.U. will deploy its own EES/ETIAS travel authorization system starting in late 2025. The United States first deployed the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) on August 1, 2008, as part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). It became mandatory for all VWP travelers on January 12, 2009.

Applying for an U.K. ETA

The fastest way to apply is using the UK ETA app (Apple App Store or Google Play), or online at  UK ETA online.

One needs to have one’s passport, email access, and a payment method (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, Apple Pay or Google Pay). The applicant will need to upload or take photos of his/her passport and of his/her face.

The decision usually is made within 3 working days, however the UK government’s website states that “Most people get a much quicker decision.”, in fact within a few minutes.