From April 2, 2025, it will cost 10 pounds (around 12 euros) to go on holiday across the Channel. This visa, issued in three days maximum, will be valid for two years.
The British authorities had announced it as early as March 2023: one day, in the near future, they said, it would be necessary to pay for a visa to set foot in the United Kingdom, even as a simple tourist. This Tuesday, September 10, on its website, the British government discreetly announced the date of entry into force of this new visa: it will be mandatory for nationals of EU countries from April 2, 2025.
The electronic travel authorisation (ETA) will cost £10 per traveller (around €12). All people entering the UK, whether babies or children, or simply transiting, will have to pay it.
Available within three business days
The visa will allow you to stay in the UK for up to six months and will be valid for two years, during which time you can make multiple trips across the Channel. The system is intended to allow “strengthening security through new technology and modernizing the immigration system”according to the British Home Office. The United States (with the Esta) and Australia have already had similar visas for a long time.
The form to apply for the ETA is already online on the government website. However, there is no need to apply now to ensure you get it: European nationals will not be able to make the first applications until March 5. And in any case, the United Kingdom promises a response to any ETA application within three working days, “and you might get an answer even faster”it is written on the government website.
Related News :