Foreign Nationals Residing in EU Must Apply for ETA to Enter UK Starting January 8

Starting today, January 8, 2025, all non-EU and non-EEA nationals residing in the European Union member states who are permitted visa-free entry to the UK will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).

The scheme was previously introduced for nationals of six countries, and from today, an ETA will be a mandatory requirement for all other non-EU/EEA nationals, including Australians, Americans, and New Zealanders, among others, Schengen.News reports. 

The new rule means that even those who are legal residents of the EU but do not hold an EU passport will need an ETA to enter the UK from today as long as they are visa-exempt. 

On the other hand, nationals of non-EU/EEA countries residing in the EU who are not permitted visa-free entry to the UK will not be affected by this rule. Instead, just like until now, they will need to undergo the visa application procedures. 

Applicants for an ETA are required to pay a €11 fee (£10). The fee applies to everyone, including children and babies. The application can be made online or through the UK ETA app, and the document remains valid for a period of two years from the date of issuance. 

During the time that the ETA is valid, its holders are able to make multiple trips to the UK. However, they must not exceed the permitted stay period. 

By expanding the scheme, the UK government said that it wants to ensure more robust checks and, at the same time, help the abuse of the immigration system. 

EU Nationals Will Also Need to Apply for UK’s ETA Soon – From April 2 
EU passport holders will also need to apply for an ETA to enter the UK soon. In the third stage of the rollout of the scheme, which is also the final stage, all EU and EEA nationals will require an ETA. 

The UK Home Office explained in September of last year that EU citizens will be eligible to apply for the permit from March 5, 2025, and they will need the document to enter the UK from April 2, 2025. 

The EU is expected to introduce a similar scheme this year – the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). 

Once the scheme is launched, all travellers who are permitted visa-free entry to the bloc will need to apply for it. EU’s new travel authorisation system will cost €7 and will be valid for three years or until the holder’s passport expires, whichever comes first.

Source: https://schengen.news/foreign-nationals-residing-in-eu-must-apply-for-eta-to-enter-uk-starting-january-8/