European travellers heading to Britain must secure an electronic permit in advance, as the UK government adopts stricter immigration controls similar to those used by other nations. This measure aims to enhance security by pre-screening visitors before they arrive, reports RTE.
Under the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, individuals who do not require a visa must obtain pre-travel clearance online for a fee of £10 (€12), which will increase to £16 on April 9.
Irish nationals are not subject to this requirement, reports RTE.
The policy was initially introduced last year for non-European travelers, including visitors from the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Last month, UK migration minister Seema Malhotra emphasized that expanding the ETA program globally reinforces the country’s commitment to improving security through technological advancements, reports RTE.
According to Britain’s Home Office, the ETA application process should be straightforward through the UK ETA app, with most applicants receiving instant approvals.
To apply, travelers must submit a photograph, personal details, and respond to questions about eligibility and criminal history. Approved ETAs are digitally linked to the applicant’s passport, reports RTE.
Once granted, an ETA allows multiple trips to the UK for up to six months within a two-year period.
Airlines, ferry operators, and train companies will be responsible for confirming a passenger’s ETA status before allowing them to board, reports RTE.
Budget airline easyJet stated yesterday that it does not anticipate the new permit system will reduce demand for travel between Europe and the UK.
Official data shows that in 2023, the UK welcomed 22.5 million visitors from the European Union, an increase from 19 million in 2022, reports RTE.
Meanwhile, the EU is set to implement its long-delayed post-Brexit border security checks for UK travelers in October.
Since the UK’s departure from the EU in 2020, the bloc has been preparing the Entry/Exit System (EES), which will replace manual passport stamping with a digital system that links travelers’ documents to their biometric data, reports RTE.
The EES will serve as a foundation for the upcoming European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which will require non-Schengen travelers to pay a fee before entering.
Currently, Britons pay approximately £17 for a similar travel authorization when visiting the United States, reports RTE.
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