If you’re planning to travel to the UK, there’s been a recent update to the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system that might affect your plans—though not in a major way, it’s something to note, especially for your wallet and app store.
To recap, the ETA is a digital approval that travelers need to enter the UK for short stays—up to six months—for purposes like tourism, business, or just a quick layover. It’s not a visa, tax, or work permit—just a simple online form you fill out before arriving.
The big news is that, starting April 9, 2025, the cost of applying for an ETA will rise from £10 to £16. While it’s a slight increase, for two years of multiple entries, it’s still a bargain compared to many other travel expenses, and certainly cheaper than a round of drinks in central London.
Applying for the ETA is easy. You can either use the UK ETA app (available on both Android and iOS) or visit the GOV.UK website. Most applications are approved quickly, often within minutes, so you can even apply last minute for those unexpected trips. However, it’s a good idea to apply at least three working days in advance, just in case there are any delays.
There are a few exceptions. British or Irish citizens, holders of EU Settlement Scheme status, and non-Irish residents traveling within the Common Travel Area don’t need an ETA. For those just transiting through the UK without clearing border control, you don’t need an ETA either—but if you plan to leave the airport or pass through border control, the ETA is required.
If your ETA application is rejected, you’ll receive a reason why. You can reapply if needed, but you can’t appeal a rejection. In such cases, applying for a full UK visa is your next option.
For dual citizens, if you hold both a British passport and another nationality, you don’t need an ETA—just travel with your British passport. This simplifies things a lot and saves you from explaining your situation at customs.
Lastly, when applying, be cautious of unofficial websites. Stick to the official GOV.UK site or the UK ETA app to avoid scammers. If you do accidentally use a dodgy site, there’s a tool on the GOV.UK page where you can report it.
With this new ETA system, the UK is making its border controls more streamlined and secure, and although it’s slightly more expensive, it’s still far easier than dealing with long embassy queues or the stress of being denied entry because you missed a document.
So, get your passport, download the app, and prepare for your next UK adventure. Even without the Queen, the charm of the UK remains timeless!
