ETA and ETIAS, Europe’s New Visa-Waiver Programs
Updated: January 17, 2025
by David McGuffin
There is a lot of talk and concern about new European and United Kingdom entry requirements for travelers. However, there is no need to worry and stress. The online application only takes a few minutes and requires a small fee.
Residents from many countries outside Europe, including The United States and Canada, will soon be required to preregister for entry authorization before arriving in Europe. Yes, this sounds like a headache and another roadblock to your travel dreams, but it will be quick and easy for most. You will submit an online application before your trip, pay a small fee, and move on with your trip preparation.
The United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland) and the rest of Europe plan to launch similar systems on different timelines and online platforms. The UK’s Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) requires visitors from the USA and Canada to preregister for UK entry for travel beginning on or after January 8, 2025. The rest of Europe is preparing to implement a similar program later in 2025. It will be known as the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS).
What are these new requirements for visitors?
The United Kingdom’s ETA and Europe’s ETIAS are measures to improve border security and track foreign visitors with hopes to speed up passport checks at entry points. Many countries have similar programs for visitors, most notably Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.
How does the UK ETA work?
How does the UK ETA Visa Waiver work?
Every traveler must submit an online application and pay a £10 fee (~$12). An application must be submitted for every traveler, regardless of age. Applications are reviewed quickly, and approval often is returned within minutes. However, the official timeline mentions three working days.
Once approved, you’ll receive an email notification, and the approval will electronically link to your passport. We suggest you apply for your ETA when you are certain you’ll travel to the United Kingdom.
Once approved, your ETA will be valid for two years, and you may travel to the UK as often as you wish within those two years. You must reapply and pay the fee if you get a new passport.
It is important to note that a UK ETA is required:
- Even if you are transiting or changing flights through a UK airport en route to another destination.
- Traveling by land from the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland.
Visit the UK government’s ETA page for more information and updates. The handy UK ETA APP is the easiest way to apply. Visit UK ETA app.
How does the EU ETIAS work?
How does the EU ETIAS work?
The European Union has delayed ETIAS several times but plans to launch the program in mid-2025. When activated, travelers should have ample time to apply ahead of the requirement for entry. A few month’s “grace” period appears to be planned following the launch. You do not need an ETIAS when traveling through an EU airport for a layover as long as you do not leave the secure area.
The ETIAS authorization is valid for three years with the same passport. If you change passports, you must reapply and pay the fee. Travelers must continue to follow the Schengen short-stay rule and not exceed the limit of 90 days out of any 180-day period.
Once the requirements begin, you’ll need to file an online application before your trip to Europe and pay a fee of €7. An application is required for every traveler, regardless of age. However, the ETIAS fee is waived for those under 18 or over 70.
What countries will require ETIAS registration?
ETIAS registration will be required in most European countries (see the list here), including Iceland and Cyprus. The ETIAS is unnecessary in some Balkan countries (Bosnia-Herzegovina, Albania, Macedonia, and Serbia). However, it is doubtful you’ll travel there without transiting or visiting another EU country requiring the ETIAS.
For more information and to learn when the ETIAS requirements will kick in, visit the official ETIAS page. Another good resource is ETIAS.com.
How will the ETA and ETIAS affect my trip to the UK and Europe?
How will the ETA and ETIAS affect my trip to the UK and Europe?
Beyond spending a few minutes applying online and paying a small fee, most travelers will not be affected at all. Once you decide to visit the UK or Europe, applying for an ETA or ETIAS (or both, depending on your destinations) should be your second step after getting your passport.
It is expected that airlines will take an active role in ensuring their passengers have a valid ETA or ETIAS. They will likely require authorization at flight check-in, just as they currently do with verifying passports.
As the new ETA and ETIAS programs are rolled out, we expect to see automated entry/exit systems at borders in place of a guard stamping passports. You’ll likely find more kiosks for scanning your passport and collecting biometric data. Over time, this will become common and hopefully expedite international visitor’s frustration at country borders.
