As of today, citizens from 50 countries, including the USA, Canada, and Australia, who wish to enter the UK are required to obtain an electronic travel authorization (ETA). Starting in April, this measure will also apply to citizens of EU member states.

The mandatory issuance of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) aims to strengthen security at the UK’s borders.

Online Declaration
Before traveling to the UK, travelers must complete an online declaration or use the UK ETA app, where they will provide their identity details and answer a series of questions, including security-related matters.

Within three days, UK authorities will decide whether to permit entry for the applicant.

The ETA, which will cost £10 (12 euros), will be valid for two years, but must be renewed if the passport changes.

The ETA allows the holder to remain in the UK for up to six months and permits a specific number of entries during the two-year validity period. Additionally, even travelers who transit through the UK will be required to obtain this authorization.

This system, which applies to citizens of countries not requiring a visa to visit the UK, has already been in place for citizens of Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates.

Now, it is being expanded to cover citizens from 48 countries and regions, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, South Korea, the USA, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Mexico, and New Zealand.

From April 2, ETA Will Also Be Required for Greek Citizens
From April 2, the issuance of an ETA will also be mandatory for citizens of approximately 30 European countries, including all EU citizens except those from Ireland. Applications for this authorization can be submitted starting from March 5.

The issuance of this authorization is mandatory for both children and infants.

This measure is part of the UK government’s efforts to digitize the country’s border management system.

The UK Home Office emphasized that the entry permit system will ensure “tighter security checks.”

“Disastrous for Competition”
However, officials at Heathrow Airport have already estimated that the new system will be “disastrous for competition,” noting that the number of travelers arriving in the UK from Gulf countries has decreased due to the ETA.

At least 6 million citizens from the USA, Canada, and Australia visit the UK each year, according to the Home Office.

In total, the UK welcomed 38 million visitors in 2023, according to the Visit Britain organization.

The EU plans to adopt a similar system in mid-2025, called the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System), which will be valid for three years and will cost 7 euros. It will apply to citizens from about 60 countries, including the USA, Canada, the UK, and Brazil.