UK to Introduce ETA Requirement for EU Citizens Starting April 2025

Starting April 2025, EU citizens must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before visiting the United Kingdom. This change affects travelers from across Europe, including Germany, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands. Previously, these individuals enjoyed visa-free access to the UK under EU freedom-of-movement rules.

As of April 2, 2025, all EU nationals planning short stays in the UK must secure an ETA. This digital travel clearance must be obtained online before boarding any flight, train, or ferry.

Travelers Feel the Impact

The new requirement has already impacted many travelers. French tourists, German professionals, and Spanish students have all encountered the new policy, some unexpectedly.

Elise Laurent, a teacher from Paris, shared her experience: “I arrived at the Eurostar check-in and was told I couldn’t board without an ETA. I had no idea what it even was. It’s confusing — we’re still neighbors, but now there’s a digital wall.”

In Italy, entrepreneur Marco Bellini expressed frustration. He frequently traveled to the UK for fashion expos and found the process “unnecessarily bureaucratic” for short trips. “I understand security reasons, but there’s no clear communication. It just appeared out of nowhere,” he said.

Spanish students also faced challenges. Lucía Alvarez, a 19-year-old from Valencia, had to scramble for an ETA just days before her language course. “We booked everything weeks ago, and no one told us,” she noted. “Luckily, my approval came in 24 hours, but it was nerve-wracking.”

Understanding the ETA Requirement

The UK ETA is not a visa; it is a pre-travel clearance for nationals from visa-exempt countries, including all 27 EU member states. To apply, individuals must complete an online form, pay a £16 fee, and receive approval before traveling. The ETA is valid for two years and allows multiple short visits.

Applicants need to provide several documents, including:

• A valid passport
• A digital photograph
• Contact and travel details
• Security and suitability declarations

Early Complaints and Technical Issues

Travelers from Poland, the Netherlands, and Belgium have reported issues while applying for the ETA. Some faced application rejections due to improper photos, while others encountered glitches in the mobile app used for submissions.

Anna Zielinska, a researcher from Warsaw, described her experience: “The app crashed multiple times when I uploaded my documents. Eventually, it worked — but I almost missed my flight.”

Confusion has increased due to a lack of awareness, especially among those accustomed to seamless travel within Europe. Social media has become a platform for last-minute advice and warnings about the new requirements.

UK Government’s Justification

UK authorities argue that the ETA is essential for enhancing national security and modernizing border controls post-Brexit. A Home Office spokesperson stated, “The ETA ensures that everyone entering the UK is pre-screened and approved. It’s a global standard now — the EU is rolling out its own ETIAS system next year.”

While the policy applies uniformly, some exemptions exist:

• British and Irish citizens
• EU citizens with settled or pre-settled status in the UK
• Residents of Ireland traveling from within the Common Travel Area

Frustration and Adaptation

The rollout has sparked diplomatic concerns as well. Several EU diplomats expressed frustration that the UK did not provide clearer advance notice or transitional arrangements. “This has affected thousands already,” noted an EU source in Brussels. “There should have been more coordination.”

On the ground, travelers are adapting, albeit reluctantly. Daan Meijer, a Dutch IT consultant, reflected on his experience: “I’ll apply in advance next time. But I can’t help feeling that we’ve lost something — a sense of closeness.”