Do you have to travel to the United Kingdom? This is the mandatory document you'll need to carry from now on.
You can now apply for the Electronic Travel Authorisation, the permit that must be presented to enter the country starting this April.
BarcelonaIf you were planning to visit the United Kingdom soon, you need to be aware of a new development: starting April 2, all EU citizens who wish to travel will be required to present a mandatory travel authorization. It's called an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA): we explain how much it costs, how to apply for it, and when you're required to carry it.
How to apply for an authorization
The mandatory authorization can be requested from Wednesday, March 5 through the British government website or of his application. It can only be applied for online and must be done before traveling. It's important to remember that it's not a visa, nor does it allow entry to the United Kingdom as such; it's merely a digital travel permit.
Once the application is submitted, we will receive a confirmation email, which can take from a few minutes to three days, depending on the case. The ETA authorization will be digitally linked to our passport, so we won't need to bring any documents to airport security or when boarding the plane. However, it's a good idea to save the confirmation.
Who should apply?
All Spanish citizens and other EU citizens who do not have a visa or legal residence in the UK will need to present a travel permit (this includes infants and children). It is only valid for short stays for tourism, business, or other visits lasting no more than six months. The measure is in effect from April 2, 2025, so visitors who are already in the UK before that date will not need to apply for one.
How much does it cost?
The Electronic Travel Authorisation costs 10 pounds sterling, almost 12 euros. However, the British government has announced that the price will increase to 16 pounds (approximately 19 euros), but it's not yet known when.
If I have a stopover in the UK, do I need to bring it with me?
Yes, if we have a stopover in the UK and need to check in our luggage again or go through border control again, we must have travel authorization. However, if we don't have to go through border control—as is the case at Heathrow and Manchester airports—we won't need it. To be sure, it's a good idea to check with our airline.
How long does the authorization last?
The Electronic Travel Authorization is valid for two years, although if your passport expires, it will no longer be valid. During this time, you can travel to the United Kingdom as needed, provided your stay is less than six months and you use the same passport you used to apply for the ETA.
What else is required to enter the United Kingdom?
Please note that all EU citizens traveling to the country, even if they only make a stopover, must carry a valid passport. National ID cards are no longer valid for entry into the United Kingdom.
