To enter the United Kingdom, even for simple tourist trips from 2025, European citizens, including Italians, will need to obtain a prior visa, the so-called Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), at the modest cost of £10.
The Home Office stated that for EU citizens, it will be possible to apply for the ETA simply by using the smartphone app called Uk Eta, starting from March 5, 2025. For non-European travelers, however, the requirement kicks in earlier, starting January 8 of next year, and they will be able to apply for the ETA from November 27 of this year.
New rules for entering the UK for European citizens
Starting from April 2, 2025, European citizens wishing to visit the United Kingdom for tourism or other non-work-related purposes will need to obtain an ETA. The ETA can be requested through the “UK ETA” app, which will be available in digital stores for smartphones, starting March 5, 2025. Holders of work visas, those with settled or pre-settled status, and British citizens with dual citizenship will not be subject to this new measure.
New rules for entering the UK for non-European citizens
For non-European citizens, the ETA will come into effect from January 8, 2025. The application form will be available from November 27, 2024, both online and via the app. The ETA system has already been tested with the member countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council, such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
What can you do with an electronic visa
You can obtain an ETA instead of a visa if:
- you are going to the United Kingdom for a maximum of 6 months for tourism, visiting relatives and friends, business, or short-term study
- you are going to the United Kingdom for a maximum of 3 months with the Creative Worker visa concession
- you are coming to the United Kingdom for a permitted paid engagement
- you are transiting through the United Kingdom, even if not passing through UK border control.
If you are coming to the United Kingdom for another reason, check if you need a visa.
What you cannot do with an ETA
With the ETA, you cannot:
- stay in the United Kingdom for more than 6 months
- engage in paid or unpaid work for a British company or as a self-employed person, unless it is a permitted paid engagement or an event with the Creative Worker visa
- apply for public funds (benefits)
- live in the United Kingdom through frequent or successive visits
- get married or register a civil partnership, or notify the marriage or civil partnership – you will need to apply for a Marriage Visitor visa.
How much does an ETA cost and its validity
The ETA will cost £10 and will be valid for two years, or until the applicant’s passport expires. The visa will allow stays of up to six months total over the two-year period, even if multiple trips are taken. The ETA does not permit work in the United Kingdom. For work, a specific visa will be required.
To apply for the ETA, either through the app or the website, you need to have on hand:
- your passport
- an email address
- credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.