Summarize and humanize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs in English
By ED HOLT Published: 09:08 BST, 1 April 2025 | Updated: 09:08 BST, 1 April 2025
A new ETA electronic permit for Europeans entering the UK is set to be introduced tomorrow in a major shake up of travel rules.The government claims the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) will strengthen the country’s border security. Visitors from some 30 European countries, including all the members of the EU with the exception of Ireland, will need to carry the electronic permit to enter Britain.The ETA, which has already been in use for US, Canadian and other visa-exempt nationals since January, can be bought online using a smartphone app or through the government website. It will cost applicants £10 but that is set to rise to £16 from April 9.Despite the sharp and quick increase in the cost of the permit, successful applicants will be allowed visits of up to six months and it will be valid for two years.In order to apply, tourists will need to provide a photo of their passport and their face. It will take around 10 minutes with most applications receiving a decision in minutes but some might take up to three working days.The ETA is then digitally linked to the holder’s passport. The UK border at Heathrow Airport. Visitors from some 30 European countries, including all the members of the EU with the exception of Ireland, will need to carry the electronic permit to enter Britain from tomorrow The ETA, which has already been in use for US, Canadian and other visa-exempt nationals since January, can be bought online using a smartphone app or through the government websiteMigration Minister Seema Malhotra, in words reported by France24, said: ‘By digitising the immigration system we are paving the way for a contactless UK border.’ Following pressure from Heathrow, airport passengers changing flights without crossing the border will be exempt from the scheme.ETAs were first launched in 2023 for Qatar and five other Gulf states before it was expanded to include 50 other countries.By the end of 2024 almost 1.1 million ETAs were issued.The expansion of the scheme comes as the EÚ prepares to launch its ETIAS scheme for visa-exempt countries including the UK and the US by 2026.An ETIAS applications will be made using an official EU website and will cost 7 euros Applicants should receive a decision within four days.Once a traveller holds an ETIAS it will be valid for three years of travel into the bloc.
Share or comment on this article:
European travellers entering the UK will have to buy a new ETA electronic permit from Wednesday in huge shake up of travel rules
