Starting this Wednesday, European travelers heading to Britain will need to secure an electronic permit before their journey as part of the UK’s efforts to bolster immigration security by screening visitors prior to entry.
Under the new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, visitors from countries that do not require a visa to enter Britain must obtain pre-travel authorization online, which initially costs 10 pounds (approximately 12 euros) and will increase to 16 pounds starting April 9.
However, Irish citizens are exempt from this requirement.
Last year, this program was first implemented for non-European visitors, including those from the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Migration Minister Seema Malhotra said last month, “Expanding ETA worldwide cements our commitment to enhancing security through technology and innovation.”
According to the UK Home Office, applying for an ETA is straightforward using the UK ETA app, with most applicants receiving an automated decision within minutes.
During the application process, individuals must upload a photo, provide biographical information, and answer questions regarding their eligibility and any criminal history. Once approved, the ETA is digitally connected to the individual’s passport.
An approved ETA permits multiple entries into the UK for stays of up to six months each, valid over a span of two years.
Transport carriers, including airlines, ferries, and trains, are tasked with checking the ETA status of passengers prior to departure.
EasyJet, a leading budget airline, expressed on Tuesday that it does not foresee the new permit requirement affecting the demand for travel from Europe to the UK.
In 2023, the UK welcomed 22.5 million visitors from the European Union, a notable increase from 19 million in the previous year.
The European Union plans to implement delayed post-Brexit border security measures for UK citizens entering the EU this October, following Britain’s exit from the EU in 2020.
The upcoming EU Entry/Exit System (EES) will eliminate the need for manual passport stamping at the EU’s external borders by digitally recording a traveler’s document linked to their identity through biometric data.
This EES will set the stage for a more comprehensive system, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), which will also require travelers from outside the Schengen area to pay a fee before their visit.
Currently, UK citizens are required to pay approximately 17 pounds for a comparable entry permit to the United States.
