12/20/2024
Americans, Canadians, and residents of dozens of other countries will soon be required to preregister for entry authorization before they arrive in Europe.
The UK's Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is required for visitors from the US and Canada (including anyone just transiting through a UK airport) as of January 8, 2025.
While this may sound like a real hassle — no one wants yet another item on their pretrip to-do list — most people will find it easy and quick. You'll submit an online application before your trip, pay a small fee, and be on your way.
The UK and the rest of Europe are launching separate systems on separate timelines: The UK's Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is required for visitors from the US and Canada (including anyone just transiting through a UK airport) as of January 8, 2025, and nearly all of the rest of Europe is set to kick off a similar program — the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) — sometime in mid-2025.
When does ETA go into effect?
Travelers with passports from the US, Canada, and most other non-European countries can now apply for an ETA, and will need to show one to enter the UK as of January 8, 2025. (EU passport holders won't need an ETA to enter the UK until April 2, 2025.)
For more information, and to apply, see the UK government's ETA page. You may find it easiest to apply via the UK ETA app.
Send a message to learn more
