If you're planning to travel to the UK next year, you'll be affected by this new travel authorisation introduced by the British government. From 2025, all travellers who do not need a visa will now have to apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) before entering the UK.
Key points to know:
The ETA is an electronic travel authorisation that will be linked to your passport. It is not a visa and applies to all travellers from visa-free countries including children and adults, whether European or non-European.
The procedure is simple, quick and cost-effective. It only costs £10 (approximately €12) and approval takes from a few hours to 3 days. (We still recommend that you apply at least 3 days in advance to avoid any problems.
Please note that you will still need to travel with your passport!
The ETA is valid for two years, or until the end of your passport's validity if it expires before the two years following your application. It applies to tourist, family or business visits of less than 6 months and will also be required for all transit through the UK.
To apply for an ETA you will need:
Your passport details
A scanned copy of your passport
Your contact details
A standard identity photo
Pay the £10 application fee.
Answer a few questions (including your immigration and criminal records)
Some key dates:
For non-European travellers
The application platform is already open. The ETA will be compulsory to enter the country from 8 January 2025.
For European travellers
The application platform will be open from 5 March 2025 and the ETA will be compulsory for entry from 2 April 2025.
In the meantime, you can find all the information you need on the government website GOV.UK. And you can already download the UK ETA application from Google Play and the App Store.
Once your application has been approved, you will receive an email containing your electronic travel authorisation, which will be automatically linked to the passport you used to apply. This same passport must be used to enter the UK.
Interested in our language courses in the UK? Take a look at our programmes on the Influent Language Immersion website or contact us at be@influentme.com
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