LONDON. Ten pounds to enter the United Kingdom: this will be the cost of the visa that will become mandatory from April 2025 for European citizens, including newborns and children.
The British Home Office has announced that the so-called electronic travel authorization (Eta), similar to what is required for traveling to the United States, will also become mandatory for citizens of the European Union. The Eta must be requested before arriving in the UK, is non-refundable, and lasts for two years.
So far, the Eta, introduced last year, was required by British authorities only for citizens of the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. It had been announced that from November this year, the visa requirement would be extended to all citizens of other countries, including the United States, but excluding citizens of the European Union.
The extension for security reasons and to “better protect the borders”
Now London has decided instead that, for security reasons and to “better protect the borders,” starting next spring, European citizens will also have to pay for the visa. From March 5, 2025, they will be able to apply for the Eta, which will be usable for travel starting from April 2. Those who obtain the visa will be able to make an unlimited number of trips to the UK during the two-year period, provided they do not stay for more than the 60 consecutive days allowed.
Only European citizens who have a residence permit in the UK for study or work reasons will not need a visa.