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Starting this week, travelers from European Union (EU) countries will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before entering the United Kingdom. The new rule means that a passport alone will no longer be enough to enter the country. Travelers will need to apply for the ETA online and pay a fee to receive approval. This change comes as part of the UK’s effort to better manage entry requirements and improve border security.

What is the ETA?

The ETA is an electronic document that allows travelers from EU countries to enter the UK for tourism, business, or short-term study purposes. This change marks a shift from previous entry requirements, where a simple passport was sufficient for entry.

The ETA costs £10 (approximately €12), and travelers can apply for it online through the UK government website. Approval typically takes just a few minutes, but UK authorities recommend that travelers submit their applications at least three days before their planned departure to avoid delays.

The ETA will remain valid for two years and allows travelers to stay in the UK for up to six months on each visit. This provides flexibility for short-term visits, including vacations, business trips, or family visits.

The New Entry Requirements

Previously, EU travelers enjoyed the freedom to enter the UK with just a passport, as part of the long-standing European Union agreement on free movement. However, since the UK’s departure from the EU, these rules have changed, and the UK government has now introduced the ETA system.

Starting this week, the new rule requires all EU travelers to apply for the ETA in advance of their trips. The application process is simple and can be completed online in a few minutes. However, travelers are advised to apply at least three days before their trip, just to be on the safe side, as delays can occasionally occur.

The fee for the ETA is currently set at £10, but this will increase to £16 in April 2025. While the application process is mostly quick and straightforward, travelers must make sure to apply ahead of time to avoid any issues upon arrival.

Who is Exempt from the ETA?

Certain travelers are exempt from the ETA requirement. Those who already hold a valid UK visa or residence permit are not required to apply for an ETA. Similarly, individuals who have “Settled” or “Pre-Settled” status under the UK’s post-Brexit immigration system will not need to apply for the travel authorization.

This means that citizens from EU countries who have lived in the UK and obtained post-Brexit residency status or a visa do not need to submit an ETA application. Those visiting for other reasons, such as business or tourism, who do not have residency status, will still need to apply for the ETA.

Austria’s Comparison to U.S. ESTA System

Austria’s Foreign Ministry has compared the new ETA requirement to the U.S. ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), which has been in place for many years for travelers from visa-exempt countries. Like the ESTA, the ETA is an online application system designed to streamline the entry process while also improving border security.

The introduction of the ETA in the UK is seen as a necessary measure to maintain better control over the number of people entering the country and ensure that only those meeting specific criteria are granted access. Although the fee for the ETA is relatively low, the process serves as a reminder of the continued changes in the post-Brexit landscape, which has led to stricter entry requirements for visitors from EU countries.

The EU’s Plans for Similar Measures

The UK’s move to require the ETA for EU travelers follows broader trends within Europe. The European Union plans to introduce a similar system in 2025, called the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). The ETIAS will apply to citizens from visa-exempt countries who wish to visit the EU.

Once in place, the ETIAS will work similarly to the UK’s ETA and the U.S. ESTA. Travelers will be required to fill out an online application form before entering the EU, and the system will help authorities assess whether applicants pose any security risks or violate immigration rules.

The ETIAS is part of a broader push by the EU to strengthen border security and better manage the flow of travelers into the region. As with the UK’s ETA, the ETIAS is expected to help reduce paperwork at borders and improve the overall efficiency of entry procedures for tourists and business travelers alike.

How Travelers Can Apply for the ETA

Applying for the UK ETA is simple and can be done online. Travelers will need to provide basic personal information, travel details, and answer a few security-related questions. Once approved, the ETA will be linked electronically to the traveler’s passport, and they will not need to carry a separate document with them.

The online application can be accessed via the UK government’s official website, and it only takes a few minutes to complete. Travelers can also use the website to check the status of their application or make changes to their information if necessary.

Why Was the ETA Introduced?

The introduction of the ETA requirement for EU travelers comes in the wake of the UK’s departure from the European Union, a move that has significantly altered the country’s border management system. While the UK previously enjoyed open borders with other EU countries, the end of free movement meant that the country needed to introduce more robust entry measures.

The new ETA requirement helps the UK ensure that travelers from the EU are properly vetted before entering the country, reducing the risks associated with illegal immigration and security concerns. By introducing the ETA, the UK also aligns itself with global trends in border control, particularly with the EU’s upcoming ETIAS system.

The Impact on Tourism and Business Travel

For many travelers, the ETA is unlikely to cause major disruptions. The online application process is straightforward, and most travelers will receive approval within minutes. However, the requirement will add a new layer of bureaucracy for those traveling to the UK, and it’s important for travelers to plan ahead to ensure they don’t face delays.

Tourism and business travel to the UK could be affected by the new requirement, particularly if travelers forget to apply for the ETA ahead of time. As the system becomes more familiar to travelers, however, the impact on travel plans should become minimal.

In conclusion, the new ETA rule for EU travelers entering the UK is a significant step in the post-Brexit era. While it introduces some additional steps for travelers, the process is simple and designed to improve border security. Travelers are advised to apply for the ETA at least three days in advance to avoid potential delays and ensure a smooth trip to the UK.