The ETA and ETIAS: Europe’s New 2025 Travel Requirements
The European Travel Information Authorization System (ETIAS) and the United Kingdom’s Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) are going into effect this year for travelers from non-visa countries. The ETA is already in effect and the ETIAS will be going into effect late 2026. This post covers all you need to know about both of these systems.
(Last Updated November 24, 2025)
Note: These requirements are new as of 2025 and timelines and rules are fluid. I will continue to update this post when announcements/changes are made. If you join our email list, I will also send updates that way. I will not sell your email address or send you spam. You may unsubscribe at any time.
The United Kingdom’s Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
What
This is the UK’s new travel form for those visiting the UK for less than 6 months. It allows easier tracking of who is going where and should lead to a smoother immigration process when you are traveling into/out of the UK. When ETA launched, it also required passengers transiting through an UK airport to complete an ETA, even if not leaving the airport. Two weeks after the launch, the UK government reversed this position. As of now, only visitors staying in the UK/leaving the airport, are required to submit an ETA application.
Who
This applies to all travelers who do not require a visa, including citizens from America, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. See the complete list countries in eligibility section of the ETA UK website. This applies to all travelers regardless of age for stays of less than 6 months.
When
NOW! This went into effect on January 8th, 2025. You must apply at least 3 business days in advance of arriving in the UK. You may be approved sooner or it may take longer if there is an issue with your application.
NEW as of November 24th, 2025: These first several months of the rollout have been a trial period. Border patrol has allowed travelers to apply last minute or upon arrival and enter the UK. As of February 25th, 2026, travelers in need of an ETA MUST have one prior to entering the UK. Flight carriers will begin requesting proof of an ETA prior to flying. Read more in the UK Government’s press release from November 24th, 2025.
This will be valid for 2 years and then you will need to complete a new application. The ETA is linked to your passport number. This means when your passport expires, you must apply for another ETA once you receive your new passport.
How
Apply on the ETA UK website or on their app.
You will need your passport number, a photo (passport size) to upload, and email address. If you use the app, it takes your photo during the process and you do not need to upload a separate photo. If you are completing an application for someone else on the app, they will need to be present. You will be notified of your approval via email.
Cost
The cost is £16 per passenger (about 21 U.S dollars). The system accepts all major credit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay.
WARNING: Third parties are developing websites offering to submit your ETA for you instead of officially through the UK government. While these may be legitimate businesses (though not all), they will charge you more than the £16 per passenger. There is one currently that is charging £78. Use the links I have provided which are officially to the UK government ETA website or app. If you are filling out the ETA via a website you have found and the cost is more than £16 per passenger, you are likely using a third party. The UK government also confirms that using a third party will not speed up the approval process.
Additional Official Resources:
Official UK Government site for applying for ETA
Guidance about Applying for the ETA from the gov.UK website
Help for downloading and using the ETA App
The European Union’s European Travel Information Authorization System (ETIAS)
What
The European Union will also be requiring it’s own form for enhanced border security for those who are not EU citizens but do not currently need a visa to enter the EU. This is called the ETIAS. There is no date for when this will go into effect but as of March 2025, it is expected to launch the last quarter of 2026. It will not launch sooner than 6 months after the Entry/Exit System (EES) is in place. The EES is slated to begin rolling out gradually on October 12, 2025. The goal is full implementation in the EU by April 10, 2026.
Per the official EES EU website, the first time you cross a border using EES, you will have your face and fingerprints scanned. This can be done at a self-serve kiosk at passport control or via a mobile app if the country you enter the EU through offers a mobile app. There will be more information on mobile apps in the coming months but there is no other further official information at this time. I will provide more details here when available. You will no longer get your passport stamped once the EES is in full operation. After you have used the EES system once, your face and fingerprints will be verified with what is in the system which they note will be a much quicker process. There are NO actions you must take to use the EES for the first time until you land in the EU.
Who
Those who are not EU citizens but do not need a visa to enter the EU, such as the U.S, Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand will need to apply for an ETIAS. Here is the full list of required countries.
Your ETIAS authorization will be valid for 3 years or when your passport expires. Like with the ETA, it appears the the ETISA will be linked with your passport number so you will need to reapply after you receive your new passport.
When
This in not in effect yet and is now projected to begin the last quarter of 2026. Both the EES and ETIAS programs have been delayed multiple times. The EES will launch October 2025 and the ETIAS will launch in the last quarter of 2026.
How
You will be able to apply online or on an app. You will need your passport number and your personal information but other requirements for the application is not yet stated.
Cost
The cost will be €20 per passenger (about 23 U.S dollars). Unlike the UK’s ETA, payment is collected only for those 18-70 years of age. Those of you who are 71 and older, you will need to apply but it will be free of cost. Families of EU citizens will also be exempt.
Additional Official Resources:
Similarities and Differences of the ETA and ETIAS
What to Do Next
Now that you have all the information for the ETA and ETIAS, make sure you add them to your do-to list for your upcoming trips. To receive updates regarding changes to these systems and to learn when the ETIAS will go into effect, join our newsletter below. You will also receive Have Age Will Travel’s newsletter! You may unsubscribe at any time.
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