Since January, visitors from several non-EU countries, including Australia and the USA, have needed an additional electronic authorisation to travel to the UK. This requirement will extend to Luxembourg and all EU countries from 2 April.
This means that EU travellers without a long-term visa, such as a student visa, will have to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before entering the UK. The ETA will be valid for two years, allowing multiple entries during this period. It will cost around 12 euros, although initial discussions are already underway to increase the fee by 60%.
The new requirement applies to adults, children, and infants passing through UK border control, whether for transit, tourism, or visits of up to six months. Travellers will have to register via an online portal, providing personal details as well as a passport scan.
The UK government aims to regulate border crossings and increase security by verifying travellers before they depart their home country. What impact this will have on British tourism remains to be seen.
