UK Visa: ETA Travel Authorization Becomes Mandatory in 2025
The United Kingdom is introducing the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), a new form of electronic "visa" that will become mandatory from 2025 for citizens of many countries—including France—wishing to travel to the UK. Whether planning a trip to London for tourism, business, or visiting family, it's important to understand the new rules.
What is the ETA?
The ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is an electronic travel permit. Similar to the US ESTA or the Canadian eTA, the ETA is part of the UK government's efforts to modernize border controls while facilitating short stays.
Applied for online and directly linked to the traveler’s passport, the ETA becomes mandatory for citizens of visa-exempt countries traveling to the UK. It allows the holder to visit the UK for up to six months per trip over a two-year period (or until the passport expires).
Do You Need a Visa to Travel to England?
Depending on your nationality, you will need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter the UK if:
- The purpose of your stay is tourism, visiting family, business, or short-term studies (for a maximum of six months);
- You hold a Creative Worker visa concession (maximum period of three months);
- You have a temporary work permit;
- You are transiting through the UK (even without passing through border control).
Who Needs a Visa for the UK?
Citizens from the following countries—including infants and children—must obtain an ETA to enter the UK:
Now: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates;
Starting January 8, 2025 (ETA applications available from November 27, 2024): Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Hong Kong (including British Overseas citizens), Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Samoa, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Taiwan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, United States, Uruguay.
Starting April 2, 2025 (ETA applications available from March 5, 2025): Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Vatican.
Who Doesn't Need the ETA?
You won’t need an ETA if:
- You have a valid visa;
- You hold a permit issued by the UK government for living, working, or studying in the UK (including “settled” or “pre-settled” status granted to EU citizens and their families);
- You are a British, Irish, or British Overseas Territories passport holder;
- You reside in Ireland and travel directly from Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man.
Is your country not on these lists? Is the purpose of your trip not covered by the ETA criteria? You will likely need a visa.
How to Obtain the ETA?
The process is quick and simple. To obtain an ETA travel authorization, travelers must complete an online form several days before departure. With their passport and a credit card, they will provide some information about their trip to the UK, upload a photo of their passport and face, and pay a £10 fee. Processing can take up to three days.
Do French Citizens Need a Visa for the UK?
Without permanent resident status (“settled” or “pre-settled”), French citizens will be required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to travel to the UK starting April 2, 2025.
What Documents Are Needed to Go to England in 2024?
In 2024, French citizens can travel to the UK with a valid passport for the duration of their stay.
What Documents Are Needed to Go to England in 2025?
In 2025, French citizens can travel to the UK with a valid passport until April 1. Starting April 2, 2025, they will also need an ETA (valid for multiple stays of up to six months over a two-year period).
Which Insurance to Choose for Traveling to the UK?
Choose peace of mind when traveling to the UK with Europ Assistance’s Schengen travel visa insurance
Starting from €3, Europ Assistance’s Schengen travel visa insurance provides coverage for medical expenses up to €60,000 in case of illness or accident, along with other benefits. Sign up online in just a few clicks and get your insurance certificate immediately.
Key Takeaways About the ETA
- The ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) will be mandatory from 2025 for citizens of many countries, including France, to enter the UK.
- It is valid for stays of up to six months per trip, over a two-year period or until the passport expires.
- The ETA applies to tourism, business, family visits, short-term studies, or transiting through the UK.
- The application process is simple: online with a passport, photo, and £10 fee.
- The ETA decision is sent via email and may take up to three days.
- Those with a valid visa, residency permit, or “settled” or “pre-settled” status do not need the ETA.
French citizens will need to obtain the ETA from April 2, 2025, to travel to the UK.
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