The UK has introduced a new travel entry fee for foreign visitors to enter the country for short stays. As of April 2, 2025, visitors to the UK will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to travel to the country if they don’t need a visa for short stays of up to six months, or don’t already have a UK immigration status. The ETA is essentially a digital permission to travel - it’s not a visa or tax, and doesn’t permit entry into the UK, it simply authorises a personal to travel to the country. 

The system is similar to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) in the United States, which requires pre-travel authorisation for visitors who don’t need a visa. British and Irish citizens, as well as people with status under the EU Settlement Scheme, don’t require an ETA.

It costs £16 to get an ETA and this will remain valid for two years, or until your passport expires - whichever comes first - and it allows multiple entries to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time.

The Home Office explains: “Eligible Europeans can apply for an ETA and will need one to travel to the UK from Wednesday 2 April 2025.

“This expansion follows the successful rollout of ETAs to all eligible non-European nationals last year, which includes visitors from the USA, Canada and Australia who now need an ETA to travel. Almost 1.1 million visitors have been issued with ETAs and will benefit from smoother, easier travel to the UK for short trips in the future.

“ETAs will strengthen the immigration system’s security and keep our country safe by screening people before they set foot in the UK.”

ETA applications can be made through the UK ETA app or via the GOV.UK website and you’ll need to provide your contact and passport details, a valid photo and answer a set of questions.

The Home Office says most applicants get an automatic decision in minutes when applying through the UK ETA app, but people are advised to allow three working days to take account of the small number of cases which need further review. 

Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Seema Malhotra, adds: “Securing our borders is a foundation of the UK government’s Plan for Change and by digitising the immigration system we are paving the way for a contactless UK border, ensuring visitors enjoy a seamless travel experience in the future.

“Expanding ETA worldwide cements our commitment to enhance security through technology and innovation.”