C‘It was once in which Great Britain could be visited with the simple Identity card. In the post-Brexit to cross the sleeve has become progressively more complicated: from 1 October 2021 the passport is required. While Dto April 2, 2025, in addition to the passport, it also serves The age for the United Kingdom, the Electronic Travel Authorisation: an electronic visa to take a few days before the trip. The document aims to strengthen borders safety. But of course It requires travelers new deadlines, procedures and costscomplicating movements even more.
What is the age to enter the United Kingdom
The age is an electronic authorization that allows you to enter the UK for tourism or visits for up to six months. It is valid for two years and mandatory for all European citizensa exceptional deo residents in Ireland. Minors and babies must also be equipped with this visa to travel. The system takes inspiration from the U.S.already in use for years, and follows a similar logic.
How to request electronic visa for Great Britain and how much it costs
European citizens can request the ages onlinethrough the British government website, in the section Apply for an eta to like to the UKor on the dedicated app, UK ETAloading a photo of the passport and face. The whole process is designed to last about ten minutes, even if the government recommends that you do it at least three days before departure. The initial cost of the authorization is 10 pounds, 12 euros, but from April 9 the price will rise to 16. In case of approval, the age is digitally connected to the passport.
With the launch of the ETA system, the entry into Great Britain will require digital approval that every European traveler will have to get before leaving (Getty)
Who is exempted and what we need to know
Not all travelers are obliged to follow this procedure. Those who pass through British airports, Like Heathrow or Manchester, without crossing the boundaries of the airport, they are exempt from the age. This decision was made after the pressures of the main international airports, worried about the risk of a decrease in passenger traffic in coincidence. However, For most European travelers directed in Great Britain, Electronic permit becomes an essential condition for entry.
A security system based on the closing of the borders
The British government presents the age as an instrument of modernization of the immigration system. According to the Minister of Migration, Sehema Malhotra, This digitization opens the way to a more careful control of the borders With the aim of guaranteeing a higher safety level through technology.
The system was gradually introduced. Already in 2023 they started using it The citizens of Qatar and some neighboring countries in the Gulf region. Subsequently, the program has been expanded to include about 50 other countriesincluding the United States, Canada and South Korea Now Europe is added. Progressive expansion has allowed the British government to test the system and make sure it worked correctly before extending it to a greater number of nations.
What does it mean for European travelers
With the launch of the Age, Great Britain joins the group of countries that use electronic systems to monitor the entry of visitors. The introduction of the document, however, represents a significant change above all for the Europeans who were, instead, used to moving freely towards the United Kingdom. To ask for authorization, you need to plan the procedure and pay attention to the details. Although, in fact, the simplifications announced, the process still needs time and a more bureaucratic approach than in the past. Furthermore, The new cost of the electronic permit It adds a further outlay for occasional travelers.
The age to enter Great Britain: what impact on tourism
If the introduction of the Age will impact the number of visitors and tourists in Great Britain, it cannot be said. Currently, as reported by Visitbritain, International tourism towards the United Kingdom lives constant growth both in the number of arrivals and in the expenditure of visitors.
But it is certainly possible that the introduction of new rules can negatively affect some traveler segments, especially those that plan last-minute travel or that find the discouraging bureaucratic process.
I woman © RESERVED REPRODUCTION