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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.