From 5 March 2025, travellers wishing to enter the UK without a visa will be able to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). This authorisation, which will become mandatory for all travellers from 2 April 2025, is designed to ensure that security checks for arrivals are tightened and the UK immigration system is better protected.
The introduction of the ETA is one of the latest measures by the British government, which aims to more thoroughly vet travellers to prevent abuse and unlawful entries. The authorisation currently costs around 12 euros and will allow travellers to enter the UK multiple times, with each stay lasting up to six months.
security check for travelers
The ETA is a digital security check that is required for all travelers who want to enter the UK without a visa. This mainly affects tourists, business travelers and other short-term visitors who previously only had to show their passport to cross the border. The new process involves more comprehensive checks on travelers and is intended to help increase security in the country.
When applying, travelers must not only provide their personal information such as name, date of birth and address, but also answer questions about possible criminal records. These security questions are intended to ensure that no people enter the country who could pose a threat to national security or who have been linked to illegal activities in the past. According to the British government, this measure will provide better protection for the immigration system, as potentially undesirable people can be filtered out in advance.
The British Home Secretary stressed that the new measure will help authorities maintain control over the influx of travellers and prevent abuse of the system. This is particularly important at a time of increasing security concerns and global migration. The introduction of the ETA comes at a time when many countries are tightening their entry requirements to minimise potential risks.
Application and Requirements
Applying for an ETA is easy and can be done via a special app from the British government. The app allows travelers to submit their application details quickly and easily. In addition to basic name and address information, applicants must also upload a photo of their passport. People over the age of nine must also submit a photo of their face. These requirements are designed to verify travelers' identities and ensure that no false information is provided.
For those who do not have suitable smartphones, there is also the option to apply via a computer. All the necessary steps can be completed on the Ministry of Interior's website, although here too a valid passport photo and a picture of the face must be uploaded. The application processing is usually quick, so travelers can receive their ETA within a short period of time.
Although the ETA is beneficial for most travellers, there are also some limitations. The authorisation is only intended for travellers entering the UK for short stays. It allows multiple trips within a two-year period, with each stay lasting up to six months. However, travellers must ensure that their passport remains valid during this time, as the ETA is only valid if the passport also has a sufficiently long validity period.
costs and future price adjustments
The cost of applying for an ETA is currently around 12 euros. This amount is charged as a kind of administrative fee that covers the processing of the application and the performance of the security checks. The cost of the ETA is expected to rise to around 19 euros in the coming months, which is justified by the increasing administrative and security costs associated with the implementation of this system.
Despite this price increase, the ETA remains a cost-effective option for travellers wishing to travel to the UK compared to a visa. This measure is also expected to reduce the administrative burden on the UK authorities, as many of the applications can be processed digitally and automatically, ensuring a faster and more efficient flow of entry processes.
Outlook and international reactions
The introduction of the ETA is part of a wider initiative in which the UK is adapting its entry rules to meet 21st century security requirements. Many other countries already have similar systems in place to monitor and improve entry processes. The UK is following the example of other countries that have introduced digital entry permits, such as Canada and Australia, which have already implemented similar monitoring and security measures.
Reactions to the introduction of the ETA have been mixed. While many see the measure as necessary to ensure national security, there are also voices criticising the additional bureaucracy and associated costs. Business travellers and tourists from abroad in particular could face additional effort and financial burdens before travelling to the UK due to the new requirements.
However, for the UK, the introduction of the ETA represents a step in the right direction to establish an effective and secure entry procedure that keeps pace with current global security requirements. Whether the system will be successful in the long term remains to be seen, but the UK government is confident that the ETA will help to streamline entry controls and combat abuse.
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