In 2025The United Kingdom is to implement a new measure that will affect tourists from the European Union and other countries who wish to visit the country. Travelers must present a Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)which will cost around 12 euros. This new regulation comes after five years of Brexit and aims to strengthen security and streamline the immigration system. The British government assures that the ETA will allow more efficient and secure control of the millions of people who enter the United Kingdom each year.
He ETA system It will work similarly to the ESTA in the US and can be applied for online. EU citizens must obtain this authorisation before travelling, with the exception of Irish citizens, who are exempt due to the common border with Northern Ireland. The ETA will allow multiple entries into the UK over a period of two years or until the holder’s passport expires.
The new fare for travelling to the UK
From 2 April 2025, all Spanish and European Union tourists wishing to travel to the United Kingdom will have to present a Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)which will cost around 12 euros. The move is aimed at improving security and facilitating a more efficient and secure digital immigration system. According to the British government, the ETA will enable a more streamlined screening process for the millions of visitors who come to the UK each year.
The system will work the same way as THIS American and will be able to apply online from March 2025. With the exception of Irish citizens, all EU citizens will need to present the ETA upon entry into the country. The authorisation, electronically linked to the traveller’s passport, will be issued by the UK Home Office and will allow multiple entries into the UK for stays of up to six months, for a period of two years or until the applicant’s passport expires.
Application
The application process will include completing an online form with personal information and travel details. ETA approval is expected within two to three days of the Form submission and paymentThis digitalisation will also apply to those who need a visa to live, work or study in the UK, making it easier to obtain immigration documents without the need to physically collect permits.
Implementation
He Electronic Authorization System for Entry into the United Kingdom Its implementation is being done gradually. From now on, tourists from seven Middle Eastern countries must present the ETA to enter the United Kingdom. From January 8, 2025, the measure will be extended to more than 40 countries, including the United States, Australia, Japan, Israel and Hong Kong, at a cost of 10 pounds. The ETA will be mandatory for EU citizens from April 2, 2025, with the exception of the Irish due to the border with Northern Ireland.
European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)
On the other hand, from 2025, the European Union will implement the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) for travellers from visa-exempt countries who wish to visit the Schengen areaThe system aims to strengthen security at the borders of the 29 countries that make up the Schengen area, which includes 25 EU member states and 4 countries of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).
ETIAS, introduced in 2018, aims to provide a stricter control of travelerss before their arrival, facilitating more efficient and standardised border security management. The application process will be conducted entirely online via the official EU website. Applicants must provide personal information, passport details and answer security questions.
Thus, from the first half of next year, citizens of countries previously exempted from the Schengen visa will have to obtain an ETIAS authorization to travel to the country. 25 Schengen Stateswhich include Germany, France, Spain, Italy and others. It is worth mentioning that border controls with Cyprus are still in force and Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area. In addition, even though Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway are not in the EU, they will also adopt the ETIAS.
This authorization will be mandatory for stays up to 90 days. Travelers must meet certain requirements, such as having a valid passport, an email address and access to a credit or debit card. The authorization, once approved, will be valid for three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
ETIAS will include assessment standards and alerts to identify Possible threats among travelersAirlines and other transport operators are supposed to verify possession of the permit before allowing boarding, and the absence of an ETIAS could result in refusal of entry into the Schengen area.
