Kensington ⁢Palace London

Traveling to the UK: What You Need to Know About Electronic Travel Authorization ​(ETA)

The‍ dream of free movement ​in Europe⁣ is over. In the post-Brexit era, European nationals,​ including Italians,⁤ will need prior authorization to enter London and the United Kingdom ⁣(England, Scotland, Ireland, and Northern Wales), even for simple tourist travel. This new requirement means:​ Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) ⁣ announced ‍by the UK government as a response‌ to misuse of the ⁣immigration system.

A⁤ New System Similar to the US ESTA

The ​British ETA is a system similar to the US ESTA. This will be mandatory ‌for all foreign ‍travelers from 2025. This digital permit ‌will replace the need for‌ a visa for short stays in the country, allowing tourists ⁤to stay for up to six months ⁢overall.

Deadline for European and Non-European Nationals

According to the new regulations, from September⁢ 2, ⁣2025, all European ⁤nationals, including Italians, without a work visa or ⁤permanent ‌residence permit in ‌the UK​ will be required to ‌apply for an ETA when entering the country.​ Applications can be ⁢submitted‍ from September 5, 2025, via the British ETA (official site) ‌or ‍a⁤ dedicated⁤ mobile ‍application.

However, for non-European‌ nationals, the obligation to request an ETA will ⁤come into effect as early ​as ⁣January 8, 2025, ⁢and they‌ will ⁣be able‍ to submit requests online or via the‍ app from January 27, 2024.

One ​Exception: Irish Citizens

Thanks to ⁣the “Common Travel Area” agreement in force ⁢between the UK and the ​Republic of Ireland, Irish nationals continue to ⁤be exempt ​from the ETA application requirement. This exception reflects the special bond⁢ between our two countries and the freedom of movement afforded ‍to Irish people.

The Cost and Effectiveness of⁣ ETA

The ETA costs £10 (equivalent to about €12)​ and is valid for one year or until ​the passport used to apply expires. This permit ​allows a ‌stay of up to 12 months in total during its validity, but it cannot be linked to an ETA as it is a tourist-only visa. To work in the UK, you need ‌to apply​ for a specific visa.

European Union Response: ETIAS

The European Union has a similar system, ETIAS (European‌ Travel Information and Authorization System). From summer 2025 onwards, British nationals who ​want ⁣to visit the EU for tourism purposes will need to ⁢register online and pay 7 euros to obtain an ETIAS. The⁤ ETIAS will be valid for⁣ 27 years and will allow unlimited ​entry to 27 ⁣EU member states: Iceland,⁢ Liechtenstein,​ Norway, and Switzerland.

Documents Required⁣ to‍ Enter the UK

Before ​planning ⁢a trip ‌to the UK, it’s essential to ‍understand the travel⁢ document requirements. Here we outline the documents required ‍for ‌European ⁤and non-European nationals.

Passport

Most travelers ⁣from the EU, United States,‌ and Switzerland will need a passport valid for the period of their stay to enter the‍ UK and Northern ​Ireland; however, ⁢some visitors⁣ may be able to ⁤use their national ID until March‍ 31, 2025. We recommend checking the specific requirements for your nationality online.

Electronic Travel‍ Authorization (ETA)

From mid-2025, the ETA will be mandatory ​for all visitors who ⁢do not‌ currently require ‌a short-term ⁢visa. ‍The ETA replaces⁢ the need for a ‍visa for ​travel to Great Britain and Northern Ireland for up ⁢to six months for ⁣purposes such as tourism, visiting family and friends, ‌business, and short-term study. It also applies to transiting within the ⁣country.

Beware of Unofficial Websites

The UK​ Government is warning‌ travelers not to ⁣use unofficial websites to apply for an ETA or ⁢other ⁣entry​ procedures. These websites may pose risks ⁣to your security or personal data or ask for ​unnecessary additional fees. The information contained on these sites may be inaccurate or misleading.

We recommend you only⁣ refer ⁣to official UK government websites (www.gov.uk) to get up-to-date‍ and accurate information about immigration procedures.