The United Kingdom’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system has now been extended to include travelers from Europe.
As of 2 April 2025, all EU citizens (excluding those from Ireland), EEA members, and Swiss nationals will require ETA authorization to enter the United Kingdom.
Starting from January 8, 2025, the system will become obligatory for travelers hailing from the United States, Canada, and Australia. This follows the earlier implementation in November for citizens of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
To get the visa waiver, which will cost £10 (€12) starting today or £16 (€19) from April 9th onwards, travelers must go through an online procedure—however, some Britons holding dual citizenship are already encountering problems.
How can one apply for the United Kingdom’s Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) visa exemption?
Travelers have the option to utilize the official mobile application, which can be
downloaded
From the UK government website, or
apply online here
.
To finish the application process, you require the
passport
The travel segment you’ll be using requires providing an email address along with either a credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay information. Additionally, you must respond to a series of eligibility queries. Entering specific travel particulars isn’t necessary.
The authorities recommend submitting your application no later than three business days prior to your travel date.
You have the option to remove the app once you’re done with it.
applying
Your estimated time of arrival will be digitally connected to your passport, and you won’t need to present any additional documents upon entering the UK.
Although it appears quite straightforward, the application procedure has caused some confusion among Britons who hold dual citizenship, leaving them unsure about whether they need to apply for the visa waiver or not.
Issues with ETA applications for British dual citizens
Theoretically, individuals holding both British citizenship and another nationality do not require an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) and ought to have the option to enter the United Kingdom using whichever passport they prefer.
However, confusion has emerged among individuals without a British passport since their documents may be expired, missing, or they might not have been issued one at all.
If they opt to travel using their EU passport, the application process will be as follows:
ETA
– and whether this is required – remains uncertain.
The ETA application form requires travelers to disclose any additional nationalities they might have, yet the dropdown menu doesn’t offer an option for ‘British Citizen.’
If British dual citizens proceed with their application without disclosing their ‘secondary’ citizenship, they could potentially be required to provide incorrect information regarding their dual nationality.
Euronews Travel asked an adviser from the Home Office about their views during their online chat session.
The adviser declined to provide advice on avoiding declaration of British citizenship.
ETA
They mentioned that if you hold both British and Irish citizenship, you are not required to obtain an ETA.
However, “you prove your
permission to travel
Using your valid British or Irish passport, or another passport that includes a certificate of entitlement for the right of abode in the UK.”
When asked what to do if the traveller is not in possession of any of these documents, the advisor responded, “You either need to apply for a British passport or a certificate of entitlement”.
Applying for a renewed UK passport from abroad incurs a cost of £101 (€123), whereas obtaining a certificate of entitlement requires a payment of £550 (€658). Each process typically takes multiple weeks to complete.
Euronews Travel has contacted the Home Office seeking official guidance.