Apply for UK ETA Before April 9th Price Increase
- London - International travel to Great Britain is about to become slightly more expensive.
- Travelers planning a trip to the UK in the coming months can apply for the ETA at the current, lower price until April 8.
- The ETA can be obtained either online through a browser or via a smartphone app, available for both Android and iOS devices.
UK to Increase ETA Fee for International Travelers
London – International travel to Great Britain is about to become slightly more expensive. Teh British government announced an increase to the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) fee, required for many international visitors. Effective April 9, 2025, the ETA will rise from £10 (approximately €12) to £16 (approximately €19), according to a government release.
Act Fast: Apply Before the Price Hike
Travelers planning a trip to the UK in the coming months can apply for the ETA at the current, lower price until April 8. Once approved, the ETA remains valid for two years, and specific travel dates are not required at the time of application.
How to Apply for the UK ETA
The ETA can be obtained either online through a browser or via a smartphone app, available for both Android and iOS devices.
ETA Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
while the British government suggests using the smartphone app for the application process, some users may prefer the online option. Be aware that a digital queueing system might potentially be in place for online applications, potentially requiring a short wait.
The ETA application process generally involves the following steps:
- Enter and confirm your email address.
- Upload a photograph of your passport.
- Provide personal information, including name, address, and occupation.
- Answer a few security questions.
- Activate your device’s camera (if available).
- Upload a selfie.
- Pay the fee using a credit card or Google Pay.
- await the decision.
currency Conversion Considerations
Applicants paying in Euros may encounter a slightly higher charge due to currency conversion rates. For example, a £10 fee (approximately €11.76) might be charged as €12.43 when selecting a Eurozone country – roughly 6% above the official exchange rate. To avoid this, consider selecting Great Britain as your country and paying in pounds.
In one instance,an ETA decision was reportedly received in approximately one minute,substantially faster than the processing time for the United States’ ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization).