The UK has expanded its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system to include European travellers, requiring EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens (excluding Irish nationals) to obtain approval in order to enter the UK starting from 2 April 2025. This system was previously rolled out for travellers from the US, Canada, Australia, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Travellers are required to complete an online process to obtain the visa waiver, which costs £10 (€12). However, there have been reports of scam websites offering assistance with the application process, so travellers need to be cautious and use only official UK government channels.
To apply for the UK’s ETA visa waiver, travellers can use the UK government’s mobile app, which is said to be the quickest and easiest way to complete the process. Alternatively, travellers can apply online through the official government website. Required information includes the passport being used for travel, an email address, and a credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. Applicants must answer a set of suitability questions and are advised to apply at least three working days before their trip. Once the application is completed, travellers no longer need the app, as the ETA will be digitally linked to their passport, simplifying entry into the UK.
It is important for travellers to be wary of scam websites posing as official channels for applying for the ETA visa waiver. The UK government has specified that the only secure and legitimate ways to apply for the ETA are through their official app or website, and there are no authorized third-party websites for processing the visa waiver. Some of these fraudulent websites may appear above the government website in Google searches, making it crucial for travellers to be vigilant and only use the official channels provided by the UK government. Additionally, travellers should be aware that they will not receive reminders from the UK government to apply for the ETA, and any emails or text messages prompting them to do so are likely not legitimate.
Travellers can avoid falling victim to scam websites by being cautious and ensuring they use only the official UK government channels to apply for the ETA visa waiver. By following the guidelines provided by the government and using the mobile app or official website, travellers can complete the application process securely and efficiently. It is essential to have the necessary documents and payment methods ready when applying for the visa waiver and to apply well in advance of the trip to ensure approval before arrival in the UK. By staying informed and vigilant, travellers can navigate the ETA system successfully and enter the UK without any issues.
