UK ETA & EU ETIAS: A 2025 Guide for International Travellers

The UK ETA visa works a bit like the ESTA you need before heading to the US. It costs £10.00 (for now), and it’s basically a digital nod from the British government saying, “Sure, you can pop over.”

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what the ETA actually is, who needs one, and why you probably shouldn’t transit through Heathrow if you’re allergic to admin fees.

Oh, and here’s the link you’ll want: Apply for your UK ETA here

Flashback Time: When Did This Start?

The ETA system launched in November 2023, with Qatar being the first lucky guinea pig. Why Qatar? Who knows – maybe the UK government fancied a soft launch with a high-spending, low-drama crowd. Since then, the scheme’s gone on a world tour.

As of April 2025, citizens from the following countries need an ETA to enter the UK:

• Qatar
• Bahrain
• Jordan
• Kuwait
• Oman
• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates
• United States
• Canada
• Australia
• New Zealand
• All European visa-exempt countries

In other words, if you didn’t need a visa to visit the UK before – you probably need an ETA now.

Who Doesn’t Need an ETA?

• 🇬🇧 British or 🇮🇪 Irish passport holders
• Anyone with valid UK immigration permission (visa, pre-settled/settled status)
• Those legally resident in Ireland and entering from the Common Travel Area
• People transiting through a UK airport without going through border control (e.g., staying airside)

That last one’s important. You’re probably in the clear if you’re just switching planes and don’t touch UK soil (or UK customs).

The Transit Problem

Let’s say a family of five is flying from Dubai to Miami via London. If they have to change terminals and go through UK border control – boom, that’s an extra £50 just to change planes. If you’re a family or flying budget, you’ll probably just book through Paris or Istanbul instead. Cheaper, easier, less faff.

It’s the kind of subtle change that could make Heathrow less attractive as a transfer hub – especially when 30% of Heathrow passengers are there to connect, not stay.

Cost & Validity

• Current cost: £10 per person
• From 9 April 2025: £16 per person
• Valid for: 2 years (or until your passport expires)
• Multiple entries allowed

Everyone needs their own ETA – yes, even toddlers with passports and a sippy cup.

ETA vs ESTA: Don’t Get Them Twisted

So, no, ESTA doesn’t get you into the UK. ETA doesn’t get you into the US. If you try to wing it, you’re just going to get very familiar with airport security.

What About ETIAS?

Just when you thought one travel authorisation was enough, meet ETIAS – the European Travel Information and Authorisation System. It’s the EU’s answer to ETA and ESTA, and it’s coming soon.

• Launch Date: Currently scheduled for mid-2025 (but it’s been delayed before…)
• Who Needs It: Travellers from visa-exempt countries (like the UK, US, Canada, Australia) heading to the Schengen Area
• Cost: €7 (free for under 18s and over 70s)
• Valid For: 3 years
• Application: Online – quick and similar to ETA

So, if you’re hopping from London to Paris, you’ll likely need both an ETA and ETIAS soon – lucky you! Double the applications, double the admin, double the joy.

ETA vs ETIAS: Spot the Difference

Final Thoughts

The ETA makes sense – in theory. It aligns the UK with what the US and EU are doing. But it’s not all roses. Charging transit passengers might just reroute them elsewhere. And let’s be real: no one’s going to pick Heathrow if it means coughing up more cash and queuing twice.

We’ll see how the UK ETA visa plays out, but I wouldn’t be shocked if the UK either drops transit fees eventually or loses some connection traffic in the meantime.