As of today, European travellers entering the United Kingdom must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), in a move by the British government to strengthen border security.

After initially applying the ETA system in January to citizens of around 50 countries—including the US, Canada, and Australia—the UK is now extending the requirement to travellers from approximately 30 European countries. This comes in the wake of Brexit, which ended freedom of movement between the UK and the EU.

Before travelling to the UK, visitors must complete an online form via the British government website or through the UK ETA app. They must provide identification details and answer a series of security-related questions.

The UK government advises travellers to apply for their ETA at least three working days before departure, as some applications may require additional documentation.

In most cases, the application takes less than ten minutes to complete, and the authorisation—linked digitally to the applicant’s passport—is issued within minutes, according to the Home Office.

The cost of the ETA is currently £10 (approximately €12), but this will rise to £16 (approximately €19) as of April 9. The ETA is valid for two years and allows stays in the UK of up to six months per trip. During the two-year period, holders can travel to the UK multiple times, but must reapply if they obtain a new passport.

Transit passengers will also need an ETA unless they are transiting through certain airports, such as Heathrow or Manchester, where no immigration checks are conducted upon arrival.

“If you are not a visa-required national, or a British or Irish citizen, we want to check your details before you travel to confirm you’re eligible to enter the UK,” said Phil Douglas, Director General of the UK Border Force, on Tuesday.

With the exception of Ireland, all EU citizens—adults and minors—must apply for an ETA unless they already hold a visa (such as a student or work visa).

This authorisation system is similar to the US ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation).

Douglas noted that a “grace period” will apply until around September or October, during which authorities will show some leniency. After that, “no one will be allowed to board a plane or train bound for the UK without an ETA.”

The move is part of the UK government’s broader plan to digitise its border management system.

The European Union is set to implement a similar system in 2026 under the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) framework.