Starting today, April 2, 2025, the Italian citizens and European Union must get aElectronic travel authorization (Age) for andenter the UK. The measure, already in force since early January for non-EU countries, is now extended to European travellers. TheAge is mandatory for everyone, including adults, children and infants.
What is ETA and how does it work?
The Electronic Travel Authorization (Eta) is not a visa, but a digital permission required for those who intend stay in the UK for up to six months. It is linked to the passport of the applicant and has a Valid for two years, or until the passport expires.
The ETA can be requested exclusively online through the official website of the British government or the “UK Eta” app. For complete the application, the applicant must provide passport data, a compliant photograph and answer a series of security questions. Processing the application requires in average few minutes, but the British authorities recommend providing for a'wait up to three days in case of additional checks.
If an ETA application is rejected, the applicant will receive a communication with the reason for rejection and will be able to submit a new application. In case of refusal, there is no appeal and the only alternative to enter the UK is apply for a visa.
British authorities have stressed that the ETA system is in line with similar measures adopted by other countries, such as the United States (Esta) and Australia (Eta). The aim is to strengthen border security and prevent the entry of individuals deemed to pose a threat.
How much does Eta cost?
Currently, the The cost of the ETA is 10 pounds. (about 12 euros), but will undergo increases based on costs and already starting from the 9 April 2025, will rise to 16 pounds (about 19 euros). The British government justified the increase with the need to ensure a sustainable border security system and funded largely by visitors rather than taxpayers.
According to official estimates, the tax increase will generate around £269m more per year, which will be reinvested in strengthening control measures and managing entry requests.
Age: who is required and who is exempt
The obligation of Eta is applies to all non-UK resident travellers, including children and infants, who do not require a visa for short stays. They are exempt:
- British and Irish citizens;
- UK residents with valid leave to remain, including those with pre-settled and settled status;
- transit passengers who fail to pass border controls.
European Union postpones Etias
The European Union has also announced the introduction of a similar system, theethias (European Travel Information and Authorisation System), which will be mandatory for non-EU citizens entering the Schengen area but at the moment its implementation has been postponed for technical reasons and is not yet in force.
