UK ETA for EU citizens.

UK ETA for EU citizens: Rules, process & more

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UK ETA for EU citizens: Rules, process & more

UK ETA for EU citizens is coming—do you need one? In this Global Law guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know, including who needs an ETA, how to apply, costs, validity, and key differences between an ETA and a visa.

Do EU citizens need an ETA for the UK?

Yes, starting from 2 April 2025, EU citizens (along with EEA and Swiss citizens) will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to travel to the UK for:

  • Tourism and holidays

  • Business visits (meetings, events, conferences)

  • Visiting family and friends

  • Short-term study (up to 6 months)

  • Medical treatment (private healthcare visits)

  • Transit through the UK

Explore the easiest way to get your UK ETA

You do not need an ETA if you:

  • Are an Irish citizen (Ireland and the UK have a special travel agreement).

  • Have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS).

  • Have an EU Settlement Scheme family permit.

  • Hold a frontier worker permit.

  • Are an S2 Healthcare Visitor.

  • Are a Swiss national with a Service Provider from Switzerland visa.

  • If you already have a UK visa.

Do I need ETA for UK? Check with our tool.

What is the UK ETA?

The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a new digital travel permit that allows non-visa nationals to enter the United Kingdom for short stays without a visa. It is part of the UK’s efforts to strengthen border security. Once approved, the ETA is electronically linked to your passport, meaning no physical documents are needed.

You can stay in the UK for up to 6 months per visit. The UK ETA is valid for multiple visits over a period of 2 years (or until your passport expires, whichever comes first).

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Image credit: Home Office/YouTube

UK ETA for EU citizens: Here's how to apply

Before applying for UK ETA, confirm that you meet the UK ETA requirements. You must be a citizen of a visa-exempt country and traveling for tourism, business, short-term study, family visits, or transit.

You will need:

  • A valid passport (the same passport you will use to travel). Digital copies are not accepted.

  • A digital photo that meets UK standards (clear, neutral expression, and plain background).

  • Contact details, including an active email address for receiving application updates.

  • A payment method such as a credit/debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay to pay the application fee.

For an error-free process, Global Law provides expert guidance to help ensure your application is accurate, complete, and processed without delays.

Start your journey now!

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UK ETA vs. visa: What's the difference?

UK ETA

UK Visa

Required for EU/EEA/Swiss travelers?

Yes (from April 2025)

No (unless staying long-term)

Processing time

48-72 hours

Several weeks

Validity

2 years

Varies

Stay duration per visit

Up to 6 months

Depends on visa type

Work allowed?

No

Some visas allow work

From April 2025, EU, EEA, and Swiss travelers will need a UK ETA for short visits, while a UK visa is only required for long-term stays. The ETA application takes 48-72 hours to process and is valid for 2 years, allowing stays of up to 6 months per visit. In contrast, a visa takes several weeks to process, has varying validity, and may allow work, unlike the ETA, which does not permit employment.

FAQs

Can EU citizens still enter the UK without a visa?

Yes. EU citizens do not need a visa for short stays (up to 6 months). However, from April 2025, they must apply for an ETA before traveling. A visa is only required for long-term stays or work.

Can EU citizens work in the UK with an ETA?

No. The ETA does not allow work in the UK. If you want to work, you must apply for a work visa under the UK's points-based immigration system.

Do EU travelers need an ETA for transit through the UK?

Yes. Even if you are only passing through the UK, you will need an approved ETA unless you are an Irish citizen or have another exemption.

Can EU citizens still use ePassport gates at UK airports?

Yes. EU, EEA, and Swiss travelers with an approved ETA can continue to use ePassport gates at UK border control for fast entry.

What happens if an EU citizen travels to the UK without an ETA?

Without an approved ETA, you will not be allowed to board your flight, ferry, or train to the UK. Airlines and transport operators will check for ETA approval before departure.

Do children from the EU need an ETA?

Yes. Every traveler, including children, must have a separate ETA. Parents or guardians can apply on behalf of minors.

What if an EU citizen has pre-settled or settled status in the UK?

If you have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS), you do not need an ETA to enter the UK. You can continue to travel using your passport or national ID card (valid until at least 31 December 2025).

Do Germans need an ETA for the UK?

Yes, starting from 2 April 2025, German citizens will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to travel to the UK for short visits. Learn all the details about UK ETA Germany here!

Countries requiring a UK ETA:

  1. Andorra

  2. Antigua and Barbuda

  3. Argentina

  4. Australia

  5. Austria

  6. The Bahamas

  7. Bahrain

  8. Barbados

  9. Belgium

  10. Belize

  11. Botswana

  12. Brazil

  13. Brunei

  14. Bulgaria

  15. Canada

  16. Chile

  17. Costa Rica

  18. Croatia

  19. Cyprus

  20. Czechia

  21. Denmark

  22. Estonia

  23. Finland

  24. France

  25. Germany

  26. Greece

  27. Grenada

  28. Guatemala

  29. Guyana

  30. Hungary

  31. Iceland

  32. Israel

  33. Italy

  34. Japan

  35. Kiribati

  36. Kuwait

  37. Latvia

  38. Liechtenstein

  39. Lithuania

  40. Luxembourg

  41. Macao (SAR)

  42. Malaysia

  43. Maldives

  44. Malta

  45. Marshall Islands

  46. Mauritius

  47. Mexico

  48. Micronesia (Federated States of)

  49. Monaco

  50. Nauru

  51. Netherlands

  52. New Zealand

  53. Nicaragua

  54. Norway

  55. Oman

  56. Palau

  57. Panama

  58. Papua New Guinea

  59. Paraguay

  60. Peru

  61. Poland

  62. Portugal

  63. Qatar

  64. Romania

  65. Samoa

  66. San Marino

  67. Saudi Arabia

  68. Seychelles

  69. Singapore

  70. Slovakia

  71. Slovenia

  72. Solomon Islands

  73. South Korea

  74. Spain

  75. St Kitts and Nevis

  76. St Lucia

  77. St Vincent and the Grenadines

  78. Sweden

  79. Switzerland

  80. Taiwan (if passport includes ID card number)

  81. Tonga

  82. Tuvalu

  83. United Arab Emirates

  84. United States

  85. Uruguay

  86. Vatican City

  • Posted on: 06.03.2025
  • By: Eray Eliacik
  • uk
  • uk eta

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About the author

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Eray Eliacik

Eray is a seasoned writer and passionate traveler who has explored over 20 countries. With firsthand experience navigating visas and international travel, and a proven track record with reputable platforms like Dataconomy and Softonic, Eray now makes it easier for travelers to achieve their travel goals.

Eray Eliacik

Eray Eliacik

Mar 06, 2025

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