UK ETA for EU Citizens: Guide for European Travelers

Since April 2, 2025, citizens of European Union member states, EEA countries, and Switzerland need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to visit the United Kingdom. This represents a significant change from pre-Brexit travel arrangements when EU citizens could freely enter the UK. This guide explains everything European travelers need to know about the new UK ETA requirement.

Important Change: EU citizens can no longer use their national ID cards to enter the UK. A valid passport is required for ETA application and travel. From February 25, 2026, boarding will be refused without a valid ETA.

Which European Nationalities Need a UK ETA?

All EU citizens (except Irish nationals) now require a UK ETA. This includes citizens of the following countries:

EU Member States

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden.

EEA Countries

Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway – these non-EU countries that participate in the European Economic Area also require UK ETAs.

Other European Countries

Switzerland, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City – these countries with special EU relationships also require ETAs for UK travel.

Exception: Irish citizens do not need a UK ETA under any circumstances. The Common Travel Area agreement between the UK and Ireland predates EU membership and continues to allow free movement.

Brexit and UK Travel: What Changed

Before Brexit, EU citizens enjoyed freedom of movement within the European Union, including unrestricted travel to the United Kingdom. EU nationals could enter the UK using either their passport or national identity card, stay indefinitely, work without permits, and access public services.

Following the UK's departure from the European Union on January 31, 2020, these arrangements ended. The transition period concluded on December 31, 2020, after which new rules began applying. Key changes affecting European travelers include:

No more ID card travel: EU citizens must now use a valid passport for UK travel. National identity cards are no longer accepted (with limited exceptions for those with UK immigration status).
ETA requirement: From April 2, 2025, pre-travel authorization is mandatory. Simply arriving with a passport is no longer sufficient.
Maximum stay limit: EU visitors can stay up to 6 months per visit, down from unlimited stays under freedom of movement.
No automatic work rights: EU citizens can no longer work in the UK without appropriate visas or work permits.
No access to public funds: Visitor status does not provide access to UK benefits or healthcare (except emergency treatment).

How to Apply for UK ETA as an EU Citizen

The application process is identical for all nationalities. EU citizens can apply through:

UK ETA Mobile App

Download the free app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. The app scans your passport, reads the biometric chip, and verifies your identity. European passports with biometric chips (most issued in recent years) work seamlessly with the app's scanning features. This method typically produces the fastest approval times.

GOV.UK Website

Visit www.gov.uk/eta and complete the online application. This requires uploading a photo of your passport and a selfie for identity verification. Useful if you don't have a compatible smartphone or experience app issues.

Application Requirements

Valid Passport: EU national identity cards are NOT accepted. You must have a passport.
£16 Fee: Approximately €19 depending on exchange rates. Non-refundable.
Email Address: For receiving your decision notification.
10 Minutes: Time to complete the application.

EU Citizens with UK Ties

EU Settlement Scheme Status

If you were living in the UK before December 31, 2020, and applied for the EU Settlement Scheme, you may have settled or pre-settled status. Holders of this status do NOT need an ETA – your existing permission to live in the UK supersedes the ETA requirement. Ensure you travel with appropriate evidence of your status (digital proof via the UK government's View and Prove service).

Dual EU-British Citizens

If you are an EU citizen who also holds British citizenship, you do not need an ETA. Travel on your British passport. This is the case for many people with British parents, spouses who naturalized, or those who acquired citizenship through other means. Keep your British passport current to maintain this benefit.

EU-Irish Dual Citizens

If you hold both EU citizenship (other than Irish) and Irish citizenship, travel on your Irish passport to avoid the ETA requirement. Irish citizens are permanently exempt under the Common Travel Area.

Family Members of UK Residents

If you are the family member of a British citizen or settled person, you may be eligible for a family visa rather than visiting on an ETA. This provides longer-term residence rights. Consult UK immigration guidance for your specific situation.

Country-Specific Information

Germany

German citizens account for the second-highest number of UK ETA applications (approximately 2 million granted). Processing is efficient with most applications approved automatically. German biometric passports work well with the UK ETA app.

France

French nationals represent the third-largest applicant group (approximately 1.4 million ETAs). The Eurostar train service between Paris and London verifies ETA status before boarding, making pre-application essential for rail travelers.

Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Poland

Citizens of these major EU countries follow the same application process. Travelers from all EU member states receive identical treatment – there are no bilateral exemptions or special arrangements between the UK and individual EU countries.

Travel to the UK from Europe

Flying from EU Airports

Airlines operating flights to the UK verify ETA status during check-in through the Advance Passenger Information system. Ensure you have your ETA approved before arriving at the airport. If you check in online, your ETA is verified at that point – issues are identified before you leave home.

Eurostar Train Travel

Eurostar trains from Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and other European cities require ETA verification before boarding. UK border control operates at departure stations (Paris Gare du Nord, Brussels-Midi, Amsterdam Centraal), so you pass through UK immigration before boarding. Have your passport and ETA ready for these checks.

Ferry Services

Ferries from France, Belgium, Netherlands, Spain, and other European ports also verify ETA status before boarding. The process is similar to airlines – your passport details are checked against UK immigration databases before you're allowed to embark.

Driving via Eurotunnel

The Eurotunnel Le Shuttle service from Calais to Folkestone includes UK border checks at the French terminal. ETA verification occurs before you board the train. Ensure all vehicle passengers have valid ETAs.

Common Questions from EU Travelers

Can I still use my EU ID card to enter the UK?

No, EU national identity cards are no longer accepted for UK entry (with very limited exceptions for those with EU Settlement Scheme status). You must travel with a valid passport. The UK ETA is linked to your passport number, making a passport essential.

I used to live in the UK – do I need an ETA?

If you have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you do not need an ETA. Your existing status allows you to enter the UK. If you left the UK and did not apply for the settlement scheme, you are now treated as a visitor and need an ETA for trips under 6 months, or an appropriate visa for longer stays or work.

How long can EU citizens stay in the UK?

With an ETA, EU citizens can stay up to 6 months per visit. This is a significant change from pre-Brexit unlimited stays. The ETA is valid for 2 years, allowing multiple visits, but each individual visit is limited to 6 months. You cannot extend your stay while in the UK on an ETA.

Can EU citizens work in the UK with an ETA?

No, an ETA does not permit employment. EU citizens have lost automatic work rights in the UK following Brexit. To work in the UK, you need an appropriate work visa such as the Skilled Worker visa. Limited business activities (meetings, conferences, negotiations) are permitted on an ETA, but actual employment is not.

Is the UK ETA similar to ETIAS for the EU?

Yes, both are electronic travel authorization systems for visa-exempt visitors. ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) will require UK citizens and other non-EU nationals to obtain authorization before visiting the Schengen Area. Both systems serve similar border security and pre-screening purposes.

Key Dates for European Travelers

Date	Event
March 5, 2025	ETA applications open for European nationals
April 2, 2025	ETA required for European nationals to travel to UK
February 25, 2026	Strict enforcement – no boarding without valid ETA

Related Guides

📝 How to Apply

Step-by-step UK ETA application guide.

Application Guide →

✅ Eligibility

Check who needs a UK ETA.

Eligibility Check →

❓ FAQs

Common UK ETA questions answered.

View FAQs →