Starting Wednesday, travellers heading to the United Kingdom can apply for the newly introduced Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), which will become mandatory from April 2.
From that date onward, a passport alone will no longer suffice for entry into the UK. The ETA functions as a digital security clearance for travellers entering Britain without a visa.
The application fee is currently set at €10 ($12.80), but it is expected to rise to €16 in the coming months. While the ETA is not a visa and does not guarantee entry, it is a required pre-authorization for eligible travellers, according to the UK Home Office.
“The introduction of ETAs aligns with border security measures implemented in countries like the U.S. and Australia,” the Home Office stated. “It helps prevent individuals who may pose a threat to the UK from entering.”
The system includes security screenings, such as background checks for criminal records, and aims to prevent immigration-related abuses.
Once approved, an ETA permits multiple entries into the UK and allows stays of up to six months within a two-year period, provided the passport remains valid.
The UK Home Office recommends applying via its official mobile app, where applicants must complete security questions, provide their address and workplace details, and upload a passport photo. Travelers aged nine and older are also required to submit a facial image as part of the application process.
