ETAs coming soon for UK and EU

The UK and EU will introduce electronic travel authorisations for visa-exempt travellers next year, in a bid to improve border security.

ETAs allow authorities to check inbound travellers against security databases before they arrive, and track movements in and out of the country. The UK introduces ETAs on January 8, 2025, with the EU following in May 2025.

Australians can apply for an ETA to the UK, from November 27, for a set fee of £10 ($20).

Global managing director of Flight Centre’s Corporate Traveller group, Tom Walley, says travellers can expect to spend less time at airports, but more time planning beforehand.

He explains: “While expected to improve border security processes, the new UK ETA changes the landscape of visa-free travel and requires more forward planning from travellers. Many frequent travellers will be well-versed in this sort of process with the USA ESTA that is in effect.

“Travellers that have been accustomed to visa-free travel for years and who land in the UK without the ETA will be turned away. From May 2025, visitors will face the same requirements in the European Union.”

ETA applications will be through gov.uk, from November 27, 2024.