Wed Mar 05 11:02:53 UTC 2025: ## UK Launches Digital Travel Permit for European Nationals

**London, March 5, 2025** – The United Kingdom has launched a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system for European nationals seeking entry. Starting Wednesday, March 5th, European citizens can apply for the pre-travel permit, mirroring the ESTA system used by the United States. The ETA will become mandatory for all European visitors by April 2nd, 2025.

This move is the latest step in the UK’s plan to digitize its border controls, a process that began in 2023 with the inclusion of Qatar and several Gulf states, expanding to around 50 countries in January 2025. The Home Office reports that nearly 1.1 million ETAs were issued in 2024.

The £10 (approximately $12.70) application fee will increase to £16 in the near future. The ETA is valid for two years and permits visits of up to six months. Applications can be submitted via a smartphone app or the UK government website, with most applications processed within minutes.

Migration Minister Seema Malhotra hailed the system as a step towards a “contactless U.K. border,” emphasizing its role in enhancing security through technology. However, airside transit passengers at Heathrow and Manchester airports are exempt from the ETA requirement following concerns about potential disruptions to passenger flow. Other airports will require ETAs for transit passengers.

The ETA scheme is similar to the ETIAS system planned for the European Union, but that rollout has been delayed.

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