Visiting the UK From Europe? EU, EEA and Swiss Nationals Now Need a UK ETA
In This Article
1. What Is the UK ETA and Who Needs One?
2. The UK’s Shift to Pre-Travel Authorisation
3. When Should You Apply for a UK ETA?
4. How to Apply for an ETA to Visit the UK
5. Duration and Validity of the UK ETA
6. ETA Refusals: What Could Go Wrong?
7. If Your ETA Is Refused: What Next?
8. Legal Advice for ETA Applications, Refusals and UK Visitor Visas
9. Frequently Asked Questions
10. Glossary
As of today, 2 April 2025, nationals of all EU and EEA countries, as well as Switzerland, are now required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before visiting the United Kingdom. This new requirement marks a significant shift in UK immigration policy and border security. Whether travelling for tourism, business, study (up to six months), or other short-term visits, individuals who previously enjoyed visa-free entry must now apply for prior authorisation.
In this article, we look at what the new ETA requirement means for EU, EEA and Swiss nationals planning to visit the UK, and explain how to apply, when to apply, and what to do if your ETA is refused. You can also refer to our previous article on the ETA requirement.
1. What Is the UK ETA and Who Needs One?
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital approval that must be obtained in advance by non-visa nationals intending to visit the UK for up to six months. It applies to individuals who do not currently require a visa to enter the UK and who do not hold another form of UK immigration permission—such as a visa, settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or British or Irish citizenship.
From today, the ETA requirement extends to nationals of:
- All European Union Member States
- EEA countries: Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein
- Switzerland
- European microstates: Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City
In practice, this means that if you are a national of any of these countries and do not already hold a UK visa or immigration status, you must apply for and receive an ETA before attempting to travel to the UK by air, sea or rail. Travellers without a valid ETA will be denied boarding at their departure point.
2. The UK’s Shift to Pre-Travel Authorisation
The ETA is part of a broader UK government initiative to digitise and modernise border controls, drawing comparisons to systems such as the US ESTA and the forthcoming EU ETIAS. Its introduction enables the UK authorities to conduct pre-arrival security checks on all short-term visitors, enhancing the government’s ability to manage immigration risks and detect inadmissible individuals before they reach the UK border.
While the ETA is not a visa, and the application process is generally faster and less onerous than applying for a visitor visa, it is now a compulsory step for most European nationals seeking short-term entry to the UK.
3. When Should You Apply for a UK ETA?
The application process opened on 5 March 2025 for travellers from the EU, EEA and Switzerland who intend to visit the UK on or after 2 April 2025. Applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel, but we strongly recommend applying well in advance—particularly for those with a history of previous visa refusals, criminal convictions, or other factors that may affect suitability.
Delays may occur during peak travel periods or if additional checks are required, so waiting until the last minute could jeopardise your travel plans.
4. How to Apply for an ETA to Visit the UK
The ETA application process is fully digital. You can apply via the UK ETA app or the official UK government website. You must apply using a valid national passport. Other forms of identity documentation (such as ID cards or refugee travel documents) are not accepted and will require a full visa application instead.
Applicants must provide:
- Personal and passport details
- A recent digital passport-style photo
- Answers to a series of suitability and security questions
- Payment of the £10 fee (increasing to £16 from 9 April 2025)
In most cases, a decision will be made within three working days, although some applications may take longer depending on the complexity of the case or the need for additional verification.
5. Duration and Validity of the UK ETA
A UK ETA is valid for two years, or until the expiry of the passport used in the application—whichever comes first. During this period, holders may travel to the UK on multiple occasions, provided that each trip complies with the conditions of the UK’s visitor immigration rules. The ETA does not confer the right to live, work or settle in the UK.
6. ETA Refusals: What Could Go Wrong?
Although the ETA process is streamlined, it involves automated and discretionary suitability assessments by the Home Office. Applications may be refused if an applicant is found not to meet the UK’s expanded suitability criteria.
Common reasons for ETA refusal include:
- Past criminal convictions, particularly where a custodial sentence of 12 months or more was imposed
- Previous violations of UK immigration law, including overstaying or deception
- Submission of false or misleading information on the ETA or other immigration applications
- Outstanding NHS debts over £500 or unpaid litigation costs owed to the Home Office
- Having a prior ETA cancelled, or a history of UK visa refusals without subsequent approval
These measures reflect the UK’s objective of identifying and excluding individuals it deems unsuitable for entry. However, it is also possible for individuals to be wrongly refused due to administrative error, misinterpretation of past immigration history, or incomplete information.
7. If Your ETA Is Refused: What Next?
Refusal of an ETA does not mean you are banned from travelling to the UK. Rather, it means that you must apply for a UK visa instead. Depending on the purpose of your trip, this may be a:
- Standard Visitor Visa, for holidays, business meetings, short-term study or family visits
- Temporary Work – Creative Worker Visa, if travelling for specific artistic or performance engagements
Visa applications are more detailed and typically require supporting documentation, an in-person biometric appointment, and a longer processing time. If you are considering this route, it is advisable to obtain professional legal advice at the earliest opportunity.
8. Legal Advice for ETA Applications, Refusals and UK Visitor Visas
At Richmond Chambers Immigration Barristers, we assist European nationals with every aspect of UK travel and immigration. Whether you are seeking guidance on making a successful UK ETA application, responding to an ETA refusal, or navigating the process of applying for a UK Visitor Visa, our barristers provide expert advice tailored to your circumstances.
We have extensive experience advising clients across the EU, including high-frequency business travellers, individuals with complex immigration histories, and those whose prior applications have been refused.
For expert advice and assistance, contact our immigration barristers on 0203 617 9173 or via the enquiry form below.
