Travel to the United Kingdom: Authorization required for Europeans from this Wednesday
Starting this Wednesday, April 2, European Union citizens, as well as nationals of Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, will be required to have an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter the United Kingdom, in addition to their passport. This new measure marks a tightening of post-Brexit entry rules, already in place since January for other nationalities.
A digital visa for 12 euros… soon to be 19
Inspired by the American ESTA or the Canadian eTA, this authorization currently costs 12 euros (10 pounds), but its price will increase to 19 euros starting April 9. Valid for two years, the ETA allows for up to six months of stay on British soil for tourism. Applications are made online, via the app or the official UK ETA website, and a response is generally issued within 72 hours. In the event of an error or refusal, the fees incurred are non-refundable.
This formality, which could bring in some €500 million a year to the United Kingdom, is already attracting criticism, particularly from tourism professionals who fear a brake on travel. Only British citizens, Irish nationals, holders of a UK residence permit, and European minors on school trips are exempt from this new requirement.