New £10 charge for almost all UK visitors as ETA travel scheme finally rolls out
What you need to know about the new ETA travel permit scheme
- Starting April 2, 2025, most visitors to the UK (excluding British and Irish citizens) will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
- The ETA costs £10, is valid for two years or until passport expiry, and allows multiple stays of up to six months each.
- Applications are made online or via the "UKeta" app, requiring a photo and answers to suitability and criminality questions.
- Airlines and ferry companies will verify ETAs before boarding, with fines for transporting inadequately documented passengers.
- Irish citizens are exempt due to the Common Travel Agreement.
- While the ETA allows travel to the UK, it doesn't guarantee entry, which is subject to border control checks.
