ETA to UK changes in 2025 – a guide for EU

Are you planning a trip to the UK? Did you know that as of April 2025, you must meet an additional requirement and incur costs to apply for an ETA? In this post, you’ll learn who needs an ETA, how to get one and what the requirements are to avoid unpleasant surprises.

ETA (“Electronic Travel Authorization”) is a new system being introduced by the UK to make border controls easier and more secure. Polish citizens from April 2, 2025 must apply for an ETA before traveling to the UK. This is a similar verification to, for example, ESTA to the US.

The ETA system has been in place for some time now, and until now the ETA application requirement applied to citizens of countries such as Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates, and as of 8.01 dozens more countries have joined the list, including Australia, Brazil, Israel, Japan, Canada, the United States, Singapore, Malaysia and many more. This is a new requirement that also takes effect on March 5 for citizens of many countries, including Poland.

Who will need to apply for an ETA? When should the application be submitted? How long is the wait for its processing? We answer these and many other questions in this post.

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Who needs an ETA to UK?

ETA is a requirement for all travelers to the UK, excluding those who have a British or Irish passport, a British Overseas Territory Citizen passport, a UK visa or immigration status in the UK ^[source].

The obligation applies to adults, children and infants alike, so if you are planning a family stay in the UK remember to apply and pay for each person traveling.

Those who plan to stay longer than 6 months or plan to work will need the appropriate UK visa.

The exact date of the introduction of the ETA requirement for citizens of Poland and other European Union countries is 2.04.2025 – from that date anyone who will travel to the UK needs an electronic travel permit.

What are the requirements to obtain an ETA?

The good news is that the entire process is done online, so there is no need to go to an embassy or consular post.

To successfully apply for an ETA to UK, you will need several documents and information:

• Biometric passport – make sure it is valid for the entire period of your planned stay.
• Digital passport photo – must be of high quality.
• Personal and other information – when filling out the form, you will need to provide your information, including your home address, date of birth, passport information, employer information and contact information.
• No history of visa or immigration violations, criminal history – those with a history of such problems may face difficulties in obtaining an ETA.
• You will also need an active e-mail address and electronic payment.

How to apply for an ETA?

The process of applying for an ETA is simple and takes place online. The step-by-step look is as follows:

• Registration on the official website or through the app: link.
• Fill out the form – provide all the required information, such as personal information, passport number, contact information, etc.
• Paying the application – the cost of the application will be £10 per person.
• Waiting for a decision

How long is the wait for an ETA decision to the UK?

In theory, you wait up to 3 working days for a decision, but in practice such a decision can come even after several minutes.

However, it is better not to wait until the last minute with the application and to do it quietly, more than those 3 working days before departure.

How long is the ETA valid?

The ETA will be valid for a period of 2 years from issuance. During this time, it can be used for multiple entries, provided that each stay does not exceed the allowed time (usually 6 months). Remember that if you change your passport, you may need to submit a new application.

What to do after receiving an ETA?

• Check the status of your application – you will receive a confirmation to your email address.
• Keep copies of the ETA – although the document will be stored in the electronic system, it is a good idea to have an application confirmation on your mobile device.
• Familiarize yourself with the entry rules – at the border you may be asked for additional information about your destination.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers (FAQ)

1. Does an ETA replace a visa? No, an ETA is not a visa and does not entitle you to, for example, work in the UK. It is designed for short tourist, business or transit visits.
2. Is an ETA required for children? Yes, every traveler, regardless of age, must have a separate ETA.
3. What happens if I forget to apply for an ETA? Without a valid ETA, you may not be allowed to board a plane or ship. Therefore, it is worth taking care of the paperwork in advance.
4. Can I apply on an expedited basis? At this point, the standard processing time is a maximum of 3 business days, although in practice decisions can be made faster. Accelerated applications may be available in the future, it is worth following such information on government websites.
5. Is an ETA required for transit, without leaving the airport? Yes, according to current information, a valid ETA is required for transit through the UK, even if you do not plan to leave the airport. This is necessary to pass immigration control in the transit zone.

Summary and practical tips

The ETA system is a novelty that aims to facilitate border controls and enhance security. If you are planning to travel to the UK, it is advisable to follow official government announcements and apply in advance.

For more information, visit gov.uk.

Safe travels!