Starting April 2, 2025, French and European travelers wishing to go to the United Kingdom should prepare for a small change in their passports: the ETA, or Electronic Travel Authorization. This document is now essential for any stay, whether for tourism or business, in the four British nations. But what exactly is the ETA? What is its cost and validity period? No worries! We have gathered all the essential information to help you cross the Channel with complete peace of mind.
Starting April 2, 2025, a new breeze is blowing over travel to the United Kingdom! French citizens and European nationals must now hold an Electronic Travel Authorization, known as the ETA. Just like its American counterpart, the Esta, the ETA is crucial for any temporary stay in the different British nations. In this article, we will reveal all the details about its cost, validity, and much more.
Who is the ETA for?
The ETA is required for anyone who does not need a visa for short stays, that is, less than six months. You have understood, French citizens as well as citizens of the European Union are affected. Babies and children will also need their own ETA, unless they are traveling as part of a school trip. It should be noted that holders of a British or Irish passport, as well as dual nationals, are not subject to this requirement.
How much does the ETA cost?
Ah, the question that’s probably on your mind! Until April 8, applying for an ETA will only cost you £10 (approximately €12). However, starting April 9, be prepared to pay £16 (about €19). In short, if you act quickly, you can save money and enjoy your visits to London or Scotland without breaking the bank!
What is the validity period of the ETA?
You will generally receive a response to your ETA application within three working days. Once validated, your document will be valid for two years. But be careful, if your passport expires in less than two years, you will need to apply for a new ETA using the number of your new passport. Don’t worry, you can enter and exit the United Kingdom as many times as you want during this period without needing to print anything, as the ETA is electronically linked to your passport.
Which territories require an ETA?
The ETA is required for every trip to the four nations of the United Kingdom, namely England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This also includes air stopovers, unless you remain in the international zone and avoid passing through border controls. If you enter Scotland from Northern Ireland, be prepared: the ETA is still required, even in the absence of land border controls.
How to apply for the ETA?
Be careful of fraudulent websites! ETA applications must be made only on the official British government site, gov.uk, or through the UK ETA app, available on the App Store and Google Play. During your application, you will need to upload a scanned photo of your passport and take a selfie. Simple, right?
The Channel Islands and the ETA
Although they are not part of the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands are preparing to make the ETA mandatory. However, the governments of Jersey and Guernsey have announced that this will not take effect before the end of 2025. Keep an eye on this for your future getaways!
