New passport: EU citizens need ETA for Great Britain from April!

New passport: EU citizens need ETA for Great Britain from April!

From April 2, 2025, EU citizens must apply for an electronic entry permit (ETA) to enter Great Britain. This affects all travelers, regardless of age, so that even children need a separate approval. The ETA costs 10 British pounds (approx. 12 euros) and must be applied for online. The application includes personal data, answered questions and uploading two digital photos: one from the passage and an additional portrait photo of the applicant. The processing time may take up to 72 hours, which is why an early application is advisable, such as kosmo.at reported.

Important details about the ETA registration

The application for the ETA can only be made in English, although it is still unclear whether a German version is offered. There are already warnings of private providers who take over the application against high fees; Travelers should therefore only use the official website of the British government to avoid additional costs. An exception to the entry permit only applies to travelers who change in Great Britain and do not leave the transit area of the airport, such as adac.de informed.

The ETA is valid for two years and can be used for several trips to England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. Parents are also obliged to apply for their own ETA for their children and babies. In addition, the British government apparently plans to increase the fee from 10 to 16 pounds, but an appointment has not yet been determined. So if you are planning a trip to Great Britain, you should apply for the electronic entry permit early to save costs and secure the registration in good time.