A guide to the visa-waiver programmes for UK & EU travel
New rules are on the way for visa-free travel to Europe and the UK, with two new travel authorisation schemes being introduced for business and leisure travellers in 2025.
With changes due next year, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will affect visitors to Europe’s Schengen Area, whist the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) impacts travellers visiting the United Kingdom. Here we explain more about these new systems, how they will affect travellers, and what the pre-travel requirements will be.
European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)
What is ETIAS?
The ETIAS travel authorisation is a new entry requirement to the EU. The new system will mean non-EU citizens who do not need a visa to travel, will be required to gain travel authorisation to enter 30 European countries for a short stay. Upon arrival to one of these countries, a border guard will ask to see your passport and other documents and will verify that you meet the entry conditions.
Who will need to apply?
If you are travelling to the EU for a short stay and are not a citizen of an EU or Schengen country, then you will need to apply for an ETIAS. This includes visits, holidays or business trips that have a duration of up to 90 days and are taken within a 180 day period.
If you are travelling on a non-UK passport, you should check if you require an ETIAS or a visa to go to Europe. If you are travelling on a visa, you won’t need an ETIAS. Irish passport holders are exempt and if you are a British passport holder but have EU residency, you also won’t need an ETIAS.
How will I apply for ETIAS and what will it cost?
Applications can be done via the official ETIAS website or the ETIAS mobile application. You will need to complete your personal information, travel document details, occupation, information about your intended travel, any criminal convictions and past travel to conflict zones. Travel authorisation will cost €7 for those aged over 18 and under 70 years of age.
The EU advises travellers to obtain ETIAS travel authorisation before booking travel. Most applications will be processed within minutes and at the latest within 96 hours. However, in some cases you may be asked to provide additional information or documentation. The authorisation is linked to a traveller’s passport and is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
You will need to do one application for each traveller, and if you would like someone to make an application on your behalf, you will need to submit a form to show you give permission for them to do so.
When will ETIAS come into force?
The European Union has yet to confirm a date for the roll out of the Electronic Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), however it is expected to be operational within six months of the introduction of the Entry/Exit System which is now due to start in 2025. The launch will be followed by a transitional period of at least six months. During this time, travellers should apply for their travel authorisation, however those without one will not be refused entry as long as they fulfil all other entry conditions.
Electronic Travel Authorisation
What is the ETA?
The ETA scheme is the UK’s recently introduced digital travel authorisation scheme which is set to expand in 2025. The online pre-travel check will authorise multiple journeys to the UK of up to six months at a time. It lasts for over two years or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever is sooner.
Who will need to apply for an ETA?
All visitors to the UK who do not currently need a visa for short stays, or who do not already have a UK immigration status prior to travelling will need to apply for an ETA. The scheme was first introduced last November for nationals of Qatar and has since been extended to travellers from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Jordan. European travellers to the UK will need to comply in April 2025, with applications opening up in March. In addition to visitors to the UK, all transit passengers travelling through UK airports will also need to obtain an ETA.
How do I apply for the ETA and what will it cost?
To receive the ETA, you will need to fill in an online application form. Most visitors will be able to apply using a mobile app. You’ll need a valid biometric passport from an eligible country, travel details, an email address and a credit or debit card. You will also have to answer a set of suitability questions. Travellers are advised to apply at least a few days before their planned journey and approval should be granted within 72 hours (but may be quicker if using the app). The fee for the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) will be set at £10.
When will the extended ETIAS come into force?
From 8 January 2025, travellers from eligible non-European countries (who do not currently require a visa for short-stay visits) will need to obtain an ETA prior to arrival. The requirement will then extend to travellers from European countries from 2 April, with applications opening up on 5 March 2025.
Potential travel disruption
With the extended rollout of ETA, alongside the launch of the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the launch of the Electronic Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), travellers should be aware of the risk of travel disruption next year as the schemes are introduced.
Check the rules & how they apply to you
We make every effort to ensure that the information we provide on our website is accurate but recommend that you check the most current rules and how they will apply to you before you travel by visiting the official websites linked on this page.
