Traveling to the United Kingdom? You’ll now need this permit to enter

Traveling to the United Kingdom from Spain or anywhere else in Europe will no longer be as easy as before. Starting this Wednesday, April 2, 2025, European citizens will be required to apply for a new digital travel permit before landing in London, Edinburgh, or any other point in the country. This is the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), a measure that marks a turning point in travel after Brexit.

This requirement is in addition to the enhanced controls the United Kingdom has been implementing to better manage its borders. Although it’s not equivalent to a visa, the ETA will be mandatory even for tourist trips or short visits. Below, we explain in detail what it is, how much it costs, and how to apply for this new electronic permit.

WHAT IS ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION?

The ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is a mandatory digital travel permit required since April 2 for all European Union citizens wishing to visit the United Kingdom. Unlike a visa, the ETA is intended for short-term tourist, business, or family travel (less than six months) and does not permit work or residence in the country.

All European tourists wishing to enter the country, including minors, must apply for one. Those with an approved visa, an Irish passport, or legal residence in the United Kingdom are exempt. It will also not be required for those in transit who do not leave the airport.

WHAT IS THE VALIDITY OF THE ETA PERMIT?

Once granted, the ETA is valid for two years, or until the passport expires. During this period, it allows multiple entries, provided each stay does not exceed six months. If you change your passport before its validity expires, you will need to reapply.

According to the British government, the implementation of this authorization is part of a strategy to increase control over who enters the country, detect potential threats early, and better manage migration flows. By 2024, more than 1.1 million applications had already been processed.

WHERE TO APPLY AND WHAT IS THE PRICE FOR THE PERMISSION TO TRAVEL TO THE UNITED KINGDOM

An ETA application is made exclusively online, through the official British Government website or the “UK ETA” app, available for mobile devices. The form requires personal, passport, and travel information. In most cases, a response is received within a few hours, although it can take up to two days.

Until April 9, the fee is 10 pounds (about 12 euros). However, after that date, it will increase by 60%, reaching 16 pounds (almost 20 euros). The fee applies per person, including minors, and is non-refundable in case of refusal.

The fee covers the processing of the application and entitles you to enter the country multiple times during the two-year validity period. However, it does not guarantee automatic entry: travelers must go through border control, where their documentation will be checked and entry may be denied.

It’s recommended to apply for an ETA at least 72 hours before your trip, check that all information is correct, and keep your passport valid for the entire duration of your stay. Furthermore, if you renew your passport before the ETA expires, you’ll need to reapply for it with a new document.