From 25 March 2025, most European nationals, including Italians, will need to apply for a digital travel permit called the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to visit the United Kingdom.
This requirement follows the earlier rollout for travellers from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, and from 7 January 2025, for visitors from the USA, Canada, and Australia.
How does the ETA work?
The ETA will be linked electronically to your passport, eliminating the need for a physical copy. It will cost £10, require an online application, and will generally be processed within three business days unless complications arise. Once approved, the ETA will remain valid for two years—or until your passport expires—allowing multiple trips to the UK within that period.
Key points about the ETA application process:
- Fee: £10 per application
- Requirements: A valid passport, a passport photo or scan, and a selfie upload
- Travel details: Not required during the application process
Even children and babies will need their own ETA, so families are advised to plan ahead for trips.
What can you do with an ETA?
The Electronic Travel Authorisation covers visits of up to six months for tourism, business, short-term study, or family visits. It also applies to transit passengers and some special cases, such as those entering under the Creative Worker visa concession.
An ETA does NOT allow you to:
- Work in the UK, unless part of a permitted paid engagement
- Claim public benefits
- Marry, register a civil partnership, or give notice of either (a Marriage Visitor visa is required for this)
- Live in the UK through frequent visits
Who Doesn’t Need an ETA?
You won’t need an ETA if you:
- Have a UK visa or permission to live, work, or study in the UK (including settled/pre-settled status)
- Are a British or Irish citizen
- Are travelling with a British Overseas Territories passport
Live in Ireland and are travelling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man
Timeline for European citizens
From 5 March 2025, citizens from Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, and Malta can start applying for an ETA. Travel with an ETA will be possible from 2 April 2025.
To apply, download the UK’s ETA app, available on both Google Play and the Apple App Store, and follow the instructions.
Plan ahead to ensure smooth entry into the UK for your travels in 2025 and beyond.
