UK immigration update: Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme rollout to European nationals

European citizens who do not already hold a UK immigration status and are planning to travel to the UK on or after 2 April 2025 will need to register on the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme before travelling, even if they are only transiting through the UK en route to their final destination.

The ETA scheme has previously been rolled out for other nationalities and a full description of the scheme can be found here.

It is important to note that the inclusion of European citizens in the scheme will not only impact those travelling to the UK as visitors. European nationals who hold status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) or another UK immigration category should also be aware of these changes, as they will impact how and when they are cleared to travel to the UK. 

Europeans entering the UK as visitors from 2 April 2025

From 2 April 2025, the ETA will apply to all “non-visa nationals” visiting the UK or transiting through the UK. Non-visa nationals are citizens of countries that do not require visas to visit the UK, and these people could previously enter the UK by presenting just their passport at the UK border. This included citizens of the EU/EEA, Switzerland, United States, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and others.

From 2 April 2025, travellers from the EU who need an ETA and do not have one may be refused boarding by the airline. If they are not stopped at boarding, they will be refused entry on arrival.

To receive an ETA, travellers will need to fill out an online form and pay a £10 fee (this fee is set to rise to £16 later in 2025). Applicants should hear if their authorisation has been approved in a few hours, but in some cases a decision may take up to three business days. The authorisation is linked to the applicant’s passport and allows multiple entries to the UK for stays of up to six months. It is valid for a two-year period or until the traveller's passport expires – whichever comes first.

Everyone travelling is required to get an ETA, including babies and children. Citizens of the UK, Ireland and those with valid UK visas are exempt.

Suitability requirements when applying for an ETA

While the process of obtaining an ETA should be relatively straightforward for most applicants, complications may arise where there any issues regarding an applicant’s past conduct. This is because an ETA can be refused on suitability grounds.   

In that regard, if any of the following situations might apply to you, you should seek legal advice prior to making an ETA application:

• You are subject to an exclusion order or a deportation order or decision to make a deportation order.
• You have been convicted of a criminal offence (UK or overseas).
• Your presence in the UK may not be considered to be conducive to the public good because of conduct, character, associations or other reasons.
• The UKVI consider that false representations were made, false documents or false information (irrespective of whether it’s relevant to the application or not, irrespective of whether the applicant is aware) were provided, or relevant facts not disclosed in respect of a current or previous ETA or immigration application.
• You owe a debt to NHS.

If an applicant is refused an ETA, but still wants or needs to travel to the UK, they will need to apply for a visa to enter the UK instead, such as a visitor or transit visa.

It is important to note that being granted an ETA does not guarantee entry to the UK. Any visitor arriving in the UK must still meet the requirements for entry under the visitor rules, which may be assessed by a Border Force official at port. It is therefore advisable to seek legal advice before disclosing any criminal convictions or character issues in an ETA application. 

European nationals who hold status under the EUSS (or other UK immigration category)

The introduction of the ETA will have an impact on European nationals who already hold status under the European Settlement Scheme (EUSS). This is because, following the introduction of the scheme, all European nationals coming to the UK will need to be able to demonstrate their permission to enter the UK prior to boarding an aeroplane, train or ferry.

Therefore, from 2 April 2025, European nationals wanting to travel to or through the UK will need to have their eVisa (Pre-Settled Status or Settled Status) linked to the passport they are travelling on, otherwise they may not be able to board a flight to the UK. 

You should seek legal assistance if you are unable to link your up-to-date travel document with your eVisa.

Other possible options

Prior to applying for an ETA, you should consider whether you might be entitled to a grant of status under the EUSS. Alternatively, if you are planning to undertake activities in the UK beyond what is permitted as a visitor, you will need to apply for the relevant UK visa prior to entering the UK. 

In that regard, EU citizens living abroad who have had a previous period of residence in the UK may still be able to make a late application to the EUSS. This process is discussed in more detail here.

For those who do not qualify under the EUSS and are seeking employment or looking to set up or expand a business in the UK, there are various options that can be explored. These include the Innovator/Founder, Skilled Worker and UK Expansion Worker routes which variously allow overseas individuals and businesses to establish, join and invest in UK businesses. Whether these routes are viable will depend greatly on the circumstances of the individual and their respective businesses.

This publication is a general summary of the law. It should not replace legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances.

© Farrer & Co LLP, February 2025