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New Travel Authorization Requirement for Europeans Visiting UK: ABTA Provides Clarity – Image Credit ABTA
- The UK now requires an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for European visitors.
- ABTA cautions that the ETIAS, a similar authorization for UK travelers visiting Europe, is not yet in effect and warns against potential fraudulent websites.
According to the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA), UK citizens planning to travel to Europe need not take immediate action in response to new travel authorization requirements. The clarification follows the introduction of a requirement for Europeans visiting the UK to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).
The new regulation, effective from 2nd April, mandates an ETA for European travelers to the UK unless they hold a British or Irish passport, are UK citizens, possess a visa, or meet one of the other exemptions. While the current ETA fee is £10, it will increase to £16 on 9 April.
However, ABTA stresses that the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) – an equivalent authorization for UK travelers visiting Europe – is not expected to be launched until the end of 2026. The travel association warns against falling prey to fraudulent websites claiming to offer the ETIAS service, as the system is not yet operational.
Another change travelers must prepare for is the upcoming EU Entry/Exit System (EES), a digital border system replacing passport stamping with facial recognition scans and fingerprinting. Although the EES launch has been delayed multiple times, the EU aims to introduce it by October 2025.
Graeme Buck, Director of Communications at ABTA, underscored the need for awareness about these changes. He reassured that the only immediate action required is for European visitors to the UK to apply for an ETA. No changes are expected for UK travelers going to Europe this summer, though the situation could evolve with the planned changes later in the year.
For additional information on the new ETA and upcoming ETIAS, travelers can visit the ABTA website (The UK’s ETA scheme and Upcoming changes for travel to Europe).
