Millions of travelers will be affected by the UK’s new travel rules, as an electronic entry visa (ETA) will soon be required for entry.

The new measure targets travelers from both for Continental United States and the European Union, and in effect this also includes Greece.

The ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) program went into effect on January 8, 2025, for visitors from the United States, Canada, Australia, and other non-European countries. Starting now, travelers from these countries—including those just passing through the UK for connecting flights—will need to complete the ETA.

How to Obtain an ETA

To apply for an ETA, travelers must fill out an online form and pay a fee of approximately €12. Applications are typically processed within a few hours, although in some cases, it may take up to three working days. The permit is valid for multiple entries into the UK, allowing stays of up to six months, and will remain valid for two years or until the traveler’s passport expires—whichever comes first.

What Applies to Travelers from Greece

From April 2, 2025, citizens of EU countries, including Greeks, will also need to obtain an ETA before entering the UK. Greek authorities issued a statement on September 12, 2024, confirming this change. Greek citizens will be able to apply for an ETA starting March 5, 2025, keeping in mind a processing time of at least three days.

Required Documents for the ETA:

• A photograph of the applicant and their passport.
• Answering a set of questions.
• Payment of a £10 fee.

Exemptions to the ETA Requirement:

• Holders of British or Irish passports.
• Permanent residents of the UK, including those with settled or pre-settled status.
• People who must apply for a formal visa for a short stay in the UK.

Why the ETA Is Being Introduced

According to the UK Home Office, the extension of the ETA system (originally applied only to seven Middle Eastern countries) aims to pre-screen travelers before they depart for the UK. When boarding flights, airport gate agents will verify travelers’ ETAs using a digital app, streamlining the entry process and reducing delays at border crossings. The Home Office also emphasizes that collecting biographical, biometric, and contact details during the application process will improve security and help monitor travelers’ movements.

Reactions to Increased Digitization

However, not everyone is pleased with this digital shift. Critics worry that the new process and fees will act as a barrier, particularly for younger or less affluent travelers. Additionally, many travelers are concerned about losing the cherished passport stamp, which has been a longstanding symbol of travel. Some worry that future technological failures could complicate the process.

“I’m sad about the digitization of travel but also worried,” says frequent traveler Kita Jean, a member of the Nomadness Travel Tribe. “Passport stamps are a great way to remember and reflect on your travels, and they help when technology fails.”

The ETA Process

Travelers will be able to apply for their ETA using a mobile app, with the approval decision sent via email. Applications are required for all travelers, including infants and children, though one person can apply on behalf of others. The application will ask eligibility questions, but no specific travel details are required.

Changes Across the European Union

The UK’s ETA expansion is part of a broader trend toward digital travel authorization systems worldwide. Starting in spring 2025, the EU will introduce a similar program—ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System)—for travelers from 60 countries (including the UK, US, Canada, and Australia). This program will require short-stay visitors to submit an online application, pay a small fee (€7), and wait up to 96 hours for approval.

In addition, the EU will introduce a separate digital surveillance program called the Entry/Exit System (EES) in 2025. This system will use facial recognition and fingerprint scans to identify third-country nationals at the border, streamlining entry and improving security.

Like other global entry systems, the EU’s EES and ETIAS programs aim to enhance border security, combat illegal stays, and speed up post-Covid travel.