In 2025the United Kingdom will implement a new measure that will affect tourists from the European Union and other countries who wish to visit the country. Travelers must present a Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)which will cost approximately 12 euros. This new regulation comes after five years of Brexit and seeks to reinforce security and streamline the immigration system. The British government assures that the ETA will allow more efficient and secure control over the millions of people who enter the United Kingdom each year.
He ETA system It will work in a similar way to the ESTA in the United States and can be requested online. EU citizens must obtain this authorization before traveling, except for Irish citizens, who are exempt due to the common border with Northern Ireland. The ETA will allow multiple entries into the UK over a period of two years or until the holder’s passport expires.
The new rate to travel to the United Kingdom
From April 2, 2025, all Spanish and European Union tourists who want to travel to the United Kingdom must present a Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)which will cost approximately 12 euros. This measure aims to improve security and facilitate a more efficient and secure digital immigration system. According to the British government, the ETA will allow a more streamlined screening process for the millions of visitors who come to the United Kingdom each year.
The system will work similarly to THIS American and will be available to apply online from March 2025. With the exception of Irish citizens, all EU citizens will be required to present the ETA upon entering the country. The authorization, electronically linked to the traveler’s passport, will be issued by the British Home Office and will allow multiple entries to the United Kingdom for stays of up to six months, for a period of two years or until the applicant’s passport expires.
Application
The application process will include completing an online form with personal information and trip details. The approval of the ETA is expected within two to three days after the submission of the form and payment. This digitization will also apply to those who require a visa to live, work or study in the United Kingdom, thus making it easier to obtain immigration documents without the need to physically collect the permits.
Implementation
He Electronic Authorization Scheme to enter the United Kingdom It is being implemented gradually. From now on, tourists from seven Middle Eastern countries must present the ETA to enter the United Kingdom. From January 8, 2025, the measure will be expanded to more than 40 countries, including the United States, Australia, Japan, Israel and Hong Kong, with a cost of 10 pounds. The ETA will be mandatory for EU citizens from April 2, 2025, except for the Irish due to the border with Northern Ireland.
European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS)
On the other hand, starting in 2025, the European Union will implement the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) for travelers from visa-exempt countries who wish visit the Schengen Area. This system seeks to strengthen security at the borders of the 29 countries that make up the Schengen area, which includes 25 EU member states and 4 countries of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).
The ETIAS, which was introduced in 2018, aims to provide a more rigorous control over travelerss before their arrival, facilitating more efficient and standardized management of border security. The application process will be carried out completely online through the official EU website. Applicants must provide personal information, passport details and answer security questions.
Therefore, from the first half of next year, citizens of countries that until now were exempt from the Schengen visa will have to obtain ETIAS authorization to travel to the 25 Schengen stateswhich include Germany, France, Spain, Italy and others. It is relevant to mention that border controls with Cyprus are still in force and that Ireland is not part of the Schengen Area. Furthermore, although Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway do not belong to the EU, they will also adopt the ETIAS.
This permission will be mandatory for stays of up to 90 days. Travelers must meet certain requirements, such as having a valid passport, an email address, and access to a credit or debit card. The authorization, once approved, will be valid for three years or until the expiration of the passport, whichever occurs first.
The ETIAS will include evaluation standards and alerts to identify possible threats among travelers. Airlines and other transport operators are expected to verify possession of the permit before allowing boarding, and lack of ETIAS could result in denial of entry to the Schengen Area.
