Freshness tracker · GBUnited Kingdom

ETA becomes mandatory for European visitors

In force Visa & immigration

From 2 April 2025, citizens of EU countries (and several additional European jurisdictions) require an ETA for short visits to the UK. Completes the phased rollout that began with Gulf states in late 2023. Irish citizens remain exempt under the Common Travel Area.

Who it affects

All European visa-free travellers to the UK from 2 April 2025 onwards.

Sources

Primary: GOV.UK — Home Office ↗

Corroborating: UK Visas and Immigration ↗

Verified 2026-04-19 · methodology · report a correction