The United Kingdom will demand all European citizens entering the country to acquire an online entry permit starting Wednesday April 2, 2025 through new travel regulations for border security improvement.
All travelers from 30 European countries need to apply for the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) permit according to new entry requirements which exclude Ireland.
The new immigration policy emerged after Britain separated from the EU in 2020 to combine border security measures with simplified entry procedures. The new scheme’s deployment will need several months to complete with security checks, while officials predict a delay starting from September or October 2025.
In effect, ETA permits are now available through the internet for £10, but the cost will become £16 starting from April 9, 2025.
As a matter of fact, a digitally connected passport permit grants entry access to visitors for six months throughout two years after its issuance.
This system enables border control personnel to complete border checks faster while letting them access immigration records and criminal history along with supporting documents.
The application duration for the ETA online process consumes about ten minutes while asking users to supply their passport photograph together with their facial biometric data. Host applicants must expect their applications will be processed in minutes yet they should maintain a three-day waiting period for approval.
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The UK Border Force implemented the ETA requirement as part of their country entry control enhancement programme, which subsequently extended to American and Canadian nationals along with other nations.
The Home Office of the UK announced in March 2025 that Europeans could submit ETA applications, which proved simple for those seeking entry.
Meanwhile, minimal disruption exists due to these new requirements, specifically at Paris’s Gare du Nord station, and some travellers express worries about this additional procedure.
The UK authorities believe this new system will achieve better security measures and faster immigration processing for all people entering the country.
Also, parents with children or babies need to obtain the ETA before their journey. Those who stay within airport or station premises while transiting through the UK do not need to acquire a permit.
