UK to Introduce £10 Entry Fee for International Visitors
Non-EU Citizens Must Pay £10 Entry Fee to Enter the UK
Non-EU nationals are now required to pay a £10 (approximately €11.95) fee for entry into the United Kingdom. Starting April 2025, this fee will also apply to EU and EEA citizens. Here’s what you need to know:
Key Details About the ETA Fee
- £10 ETA Fee for Non-EU Nationals: As of January 8, 2025, all non-EU nationals must pay the £10 fee and obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) online before entering the UK.
- Extension to EU/EEA Citizens: From April 2, 2025, the requirement will extend to EU and EEA nationals, including children and infants.
- Exemptions: UK and Irish citizens, including those with dual citizenship, are exempt as long as they travel using their UK or Irish passports. Holders of valid UK or Irish visas or residence permits are also exempt.
ETA Fee Validity
- The £10 fee covers multiple trips to the UK over two years, allowing stays of up to 180 days per visit.
- Longer stays will require an appropriate visa.
How to Apply for an ETA
- Applications can be submitted via the UK government website or the UK ETA app.
- The system will open to EU and EEA nationals in March 2025, ahead of the April implementation.
Important Considerations
- Applications typically take up to three days to process, so travellers are advised to apply well in advance.
- The ETA is required for all modes of transport and is mandatory even for layovers. For instance, a US citizen flying from Germany to New York with a stopover in London will need an ETA, even if they don’t leave the airport.
Ensure your ETA is approved before traveling to avoid delays at the UK border.