The UK is introducing a new, digital, electronic travel authorisation (ETA). An ETA is a digital permission to travel – it is not a visa and does not permit entry into the UK – it authorises a person to travel to the UK.
This new system will be for all travellers to the UK, except for British and Irish citizens. If you are Cypriot, holding a Cypriot passport, you will need to apply for an ETA before you travel to the UK.
Individuals will need permission to travel in advance through either an ETA or an eVisa. These new digital authorisations will replace physical immigration documents allowing UK visa holders to use online immigration services, take control of their data and prevent against documents being lost, stolen or tampered with.
Travelers will still need to show a valid passport at UK border control and have any necessary visa should a visa be required for entry to the UK.
Eligible Europeans can apply from 5 March 2025 and will need an ETA to travel to the UK from 2 April 2025.
Applying for an ETA is quick and simple. It should be applied for in advance, the easiest way to apply for an ETA is through the ‘UK ETA app’, which can be downloaded from the Google Play or Apple App Store. People can apply on GOV.UK if they do not have access to a smartphone.
An ETA currently costs £10 and permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time over two years or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever is sooner.
IMPORTANT
UK passport holders do not need to apply for ETA.
