The British government has made changes in the longstanding travel rules by which European visitors will need to get an online entry permit to visit the UK from Wednesday.

Travellers from Europe will need a digital Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) permit to enter the UK.

UK Home Office said in a statement: "Eligible Europeans can now apply for an ETA and will need an ETA to travel from 2 April 2025."

"Eligible non-Europeans already need an ETA to travel to the UK," the Home Office said.

ETA

An ETA is a digital permission to travel is not a visa and does not permit entry into the UK. It authorises a person to travel to the UK.

Visitors should apply in advance and find out when to do so on GOV.UK.

ETA Cost

An ETA currently costs £10 and permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time over two years or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever is sooner.

From April 9, 2025, an ETA will cost £16.

ETA And UK Border Security

As per the Home Office website, those applying for an ETA provide their biographic, biometric and contact details, and answer a short set of questions on suitability and criminality.

"This will increase our knowledge about those seeking to come to the UK and prevent the arrival of those who present a threat," the statement said.

What If A Person Fails To Obtain An ETA?

The Home Office says if a person’s ETA application is rejected, then they will be told the reason and can apply again.

"If a person’s ETA application is refused, they cannot appeal and instead need to apply for a visa if they still wish to seek permission to come to the UK," the statement said.

Transit And ETA

The Home Office said after receiving feedback from the aviation industry,  the government has agreed on a temporary exemption for passengers who transit airside, and, therefore do not pass through UK border control, from needing an ETA.

"The exemption will be kept under review," the statement said.

Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Seema Malhotra, said: "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."