UK ETA for EU Citizens 2026: Everything Europeans Need to Know

UK ETA for EU Citizens: What Changed in 2026?

Since 2 April 2025, citizens of all European Union member states have been required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling to the United Kingdom. This marked a significant shift from the previous visa-free entry system that EU nationals enjoyed for decades. From 2 April 2025, enforcement has become strict — without an approved ETA, EU citizens cannot board flights, ferries, or trains to the UK. This guide covers everything EU citizens need to know about the UK ETA system, from eligibility and application process to costs and common questions.

UK ETA EU Citizens: Which Countries Need One?

All 27 EU member states require an ETA for short visits to the UK. This includes citizens of:

Western Europe	Eastern Europe	Southern Europe	Northern Europe
France	Poland	Spain	Sweden
Germany	Czech Republic	Italy	Denmark
Belgium	Romania	Portugal	Finland
Netherlands	Hungary	Greece	Estonia
Luxembourg	Slovakia	Croatia	Latvia
Austria	Bulgaria	Malta	Lithuania

Also included: Ireland is the only European exception — Irish citizens do not need an ETA due to the Common Travel Area agreement with the UK. Additionally, citizens of non-EU European countries like Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein also need an ETA.

How to Apply for a UK ETA as an EU Citizen

Step 1: Download the UK ETA App

The quickest application method is through the official UK ETA app available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. The app uses your phone camera to scan your passport’s biometric chip and capture your photo automatically.

Step 2: Fill In Your Details

Provide your personal information, passport details, and answer the security screening questions. The form takes approximately 5-10 minutes to complete. You will need a valid email address for your confirmation.

Step 3: Pay the £20 Fee

The UK government fee is £20 (approximately €19). Payment can be made by credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. This covers 2 years of unlimited trips to the UK.

Step 4: Receive Your Decision

Most EU citizens receive an automatic approval within minutes. The UK Home Office recommends applying at least 3 working days before travel to allow for any additional processing.

UK ETA for EU Citizens: Key Facts

Detail	Information
Cost	£20 (~€19) one-time payment
Validity	2 years or until passport expiry
Maximum stay	6 months per visit
Multiple entries	Unlimited within validity
Processing time	Usually minutes, up to 3 working days
Permitted activities	Tourism, business, family visits, short study, transit
Work allowed?	No — requires a separate work visa
Required from	2 April 2025 (EU nationals)
Full enforcement	2 April 2025

Brexit and the UK ETA: Why EU Citizens Now Need One

Before Brexit, EU citizens enjoyed complete freedom of movement to the UK without any form of travel authorisation. Following the UK’s departure from the European Union on 31 January 2020, the government introduced the ETA scheme as part of its new border control system. The ETA is designed to pre-screen travellers before they arrive in the UK, enhancing border security while maintaining relatively frictionless travel for low-risk visitors. It is similar to systems already used by the United States (ESTA), Canada (eTA), and Australia (ETA).

Common Questions from EU Citizens About the UK ETA

Can I still visit the UK without a visa as an EU citizen?

Yes, but you now need an ETA. The ETA is not a visa — it is a simpler, cheaper digital authorisation. You do not need to attend an appointment or provide biometrics beyond what is in your passport.

What about the Schengen area — does the UK ETA affect travel within Europe?

No. The UK ETA only applies to travel to the United Kingdom. It has no impact on your ability to travel within the Schengen area or other EU countries.

I have a UK Settled Status or Pre-Settled Status. Do I still need an ETA?

No. If you hold UK Settled or Pre-Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you do not need an ETA. Your status already gives you the right to live and work in the UK.

Can I transit through the UK without an ETA?

From April 2025, most EU citizens will need an ETA even for transiting through UK airports. There are very limited exceptions for airside-only connections.

What happens if my ETA is denied?

If denied, you cannot appeal. You may reapply or apply for a Standard Visitor Visa instead. Common denial reasons include criminal records, previous immigration violations, or incomplete applications.

UK ETA EU Citizens: Apply Now

Do not wait until the last minute. Apply for your UK ETA through VisaETA.uk for professional support and document review, or use the official UK ETA app for the standard £20 fee. Our team speaks multiple European languages and can help you through the entire process.

Related UK ETA Guides

• How to Apply for UK ETA Online
• UK ETA vs EU ETIAS Comparison
• UK ETA and Ireland Travel
• Passport Validity for UK ETA

Official Sources & References

This guide is based on official UK government sources. All information is current as of 2026.

Key fact: The UK ETA costs £20 per application, is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, and allows unlimited visits of up to 6 months each. Citizens from 48 eligible countries must obtain an ETA before travelling (Source: GOV.UK).

1. UK Government — Apply for an ETA
2. UK Government — ETA Guidance
3. UK Government — Check If You Need a UK Visa
4. UK Government — Standard Visitor
5. VisitBritain — Getting to Britain

Which EU Countries Need a UK ETA?

Additionally, all EU member state nationals — including citizens of Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Ireland (exempt), and all other EU countries — now require a UK ETA to visit England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland for short stays. Additionally, the only exception within the EU is Ireland: under the historic Common Travel Area agreement, Irish citizens may enter the UK freely without any pre-travel authorisation.

Brexit and EU Freedom of Movement: What Changed

Furthermore, before Brexit, EU citizens had freedom of movement to live, work, and travel throughout the UK without visas or pre-travel authorisations. When the UK officially left the EU on 31 January 2020 and the transition period ended on 31 December 2020, this freedom of movement ended for new arrivals. Furthermore, eU citizens who were already living in the UK before this date could apply for Settled Status or Pre-Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme — but new visitors from the EU now need a UK ETA for short visits and a relevant visa for longer stays or employment.

Step-by-Step: How EU Citizens Apply for a UK ETA

• Download the UK ETA app or visit gov.uk/eta on your device.
• Select your EU nationality and enter your biometric passport details.
• Upload a selfie-style photo following the quality guidelines.
• Answer suitability questions about criminal history and immigration background.
• Pay the £20 fee by credit or debit card.
• Receive your decision by email — typically within minutes for EU nationals.

EU Citizens Who Are Already Exempt

Moreover, eU citizens with Settled Status or Pre-Settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme do not need a UK ETA — their existing UK immigration status covers short and longer stays. Moreover, eU citizens with a valid UK visa of any type do not need an ETA. EU citizens who hold dual British citizenship travel on their British passport and need no ETA. Only EU nationals making new visits to the UK without any existing UK immigration status require the ETA.

The ETA as a Post-Brexit Reality for EU Travellers

In addition, the UK ETA represents a fundamental shift in EU-UK travel. In addition, millions of EU citizens who previously crossed the Channel — by Eurostar, plane, or ferry — without any pre-clearance now need to obtain an ETA before every passport renewal (since ETAs are passport-specific). The good news is that the process is quick, cheap, and fully online, making it far less burdensome than a traditional visa. For EU citizens who travel to the UK regularly, the 2-year multi-entry validity means one application serves dozens of trips.

Travelling from EU Countries to the UK: Practical Checklist

• Apply for UK ETA: At least 72 hours before departure via the UK ETA app or gov.uk/eta. Cost: £20 per person.
• Check passport validity: EU citizens travelling to the UK must use a valid passport — ID cards are no longer accepted for UK entry post-Brexit. Ensure your passport is valid for your entire stay.
• Currency: The UK uses British Pound Sterling, not the Euro. Plan to carry GBP or use a travel card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Driving licence: EU driving licences are valid for driving in the UK for short visits. Carry your physical licence — digital versions are not accepted.
• Pet travel: Post-Brexit rules for bringing pets from EU countries to the UK changed significantly. Check gov.uk for current requirements, including microchipping, vaccinations, and tapeworm treatment rules.

EU Citizens Who Frequently Visit the UK for Work Purposes

Therefore, eU citizens who regularly travel to the UK for business meetings, conferences, and professional events benefit most from the 2-year multi-entry ETA. Therefore, a single £20 application covers unlimited UK visits over two years, making it extremely cost-effective for frequent travellers. EU professionals who need to take up paid employment in the UK — rather than simply attend meetings — must apply for a UK Skilled Worker Visa or other relevant work-based visa before commencing any UK-sourced paid work.

Frequently Asked Questions: EU Citizens and the UK ETA

Can EU citizens still live in the UK after Brexit? EU citizens who were living in the UK before 31 December 2020 could apply for Settled or Pre-Settled Status. As a result, new EU arrivals wishing to live in the UK must apply for the appropriate long-term visa — the ETA only covers short visits up to 6 months.

Do I need a UK ETA if I have a Schengen visa? No. For this reason, a Schengen visa does not cover entry to the UK — the UK is not part of the Schengen Area. You need a separate UK ETA (or UK visa) regardless of your Schengen visa status.

How long can EU citizens stay in the UK on an ETA? EU nationals on a UK ETA may stay for up to 6 months per visit. This is the same limit as before Brexit for tourist visits, though EU citizens no longer have the right to live, work, or remain indefinitely without applying for the appropriate UK immigration status.

Will the UK ETA requirement ever be removed for EU citizens? There are no current plans to restore visa-free travel without pre-authorisation between the UK and EU. In particular, the ETA system is now embedded in UK border policy, and any future changes would require new bilateral agreements between the UK and EU — a complex political process that is not anticipated in the near term.