New regulations requiring European visitors to obtain an online entry permit came into effect on Wednesday as the UK government revised its border security measures.
Despite the changes, operations at Paris’s Gare du Nord station remained smooth as Eurostar passengers commenced their journeys to London.
“So far, we haven’t had any passengers turned away,” a Eurostar staff member told AFP.
Under the new system, European travellers must secure a digital Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which UK officials say aims to enhance security and streamline entry processes. A buffer period, expected to last several months, has been introduced to ease the transition.
The ETA, available online for £10 (12 euros), will see a price increase to £16 from April 9. It has already been implemented for American, Canadian, and other visa-exempt nationals following the UK’s departure from the European Union in 2020.
Phil Douglas, head of the UK Border Force, stated that the rollout is part of a broader plan to implement ETA requirements globally.
“This scheme is essentially a border security measure,” Douglas told AFP, adding that disruptions were not expected.
He explained that the permit would speed up entry times by allowing officials to check traveller details, including immigration history and criminal records.
“For the individual, the advantage is that we are developing a contactless border, so those approved can use our new eGates and move through border control more quickly,” he added.
Travellers will still be allowed to board planes and trains during the buffer period, which is expected to last until September or October.
Permit Details and Application Process
The ETA allows visits of up to six months, is digitally linked to the applicant’s passport, and remains valid for two years. Applications can be submitted via a smartphone app or the UK government website.
The application process, which requires a passport photo and a facial scan, takes approximately 10 minutes. In most cases, a decision is made within minutes, but applicants are advised to allow up to three working days for approval.
While the permit is mandatory for all travellers, including babies and children, passengers transiting through UK airports without crossing the border are exempt. This exemption was granted following concerns from Heathrow Airport, which feared a drop in passenger traffic.
In 2024, Heathrow handled nearly 84 million passengers, with one-third originating from EU countries.
Gradual Expansion of the Scheme
The ETA was first introduced in 2023 for travellers from Qatar before being extended to five Gulf nations. In January 2024, it was expanded to cover nationals from around 50 additional countries, including Argentina, South Korea, and New Zealand.
By the end of 2024, nearly 1.1 million ETAs had been issued, according to the UK Home Office.
The permit does not apply to UK residents or individuals with an existing UK immigration status.
The ETA mirrors the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which will require visa-exempt nationals to obtain approval for travel to 30 European countries, including France and Germany. However, the ETIAS rollout has been postponed until 2026.
