From today you can apply for an ETA to enter the UK. How much it costs, how to get it: everything you need to know
The long-awaited day has finally arrived. As of today, March 5, 2025, it is possible to apply for the ETA-an acronym that [...]
United Kingdom
The long-awaited day finally arrived. As of today, March 5, 2025, it is possible to apply for the ETA - acronym for Electronic Travel Authorization-without which, as of April 2, it will not be possible to enter the United Kingdom.
In this article:
But let's go in order. First, what is ETA? It is not a visa, but a digital authorization that allows travel to the UK; the ETA has a validity of two years and allows you to stay for a maximum of 6 months.
The ETA, the cost of which will be. 10 pounds (at the exchange rate about 12 euros, but in the coming time the price may increase), is mandatory for all European citizens, including Italians therefore; the aim, the British executive makes known, is to "strengthen security through new technologies and incorporate a modern immigration system." Only British and Irish citizens and those who, regardless of nationality, reside in the United Kingdom are exempt.
The application to obtain the ETA should be made only online, through the UK government website or by using the UK ETA app: during the process we will be asked to enter our own and passport details, upload a photograph and answer some security questions. The outcome of the request, as stated on the official website, should be announced within 72 hours.
The question of questions is one and only one: ETA will be required even in the case of making a simple stopover on British soil? The answer is: depends. Passengers who have a connecting flight and remain in the transit area of the airport will be exempt from paying ETA for the time being. Those, on the other hand, who have a stopover but are forced to go through border control before taking the other flight, will have to get the electronic travel authorization.
