UK ETA vs EU ETIAS: What Travellers Need to Know

As international travel becomes more digitised, two major pre-travel authorisation systems are emerging: the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). Both aim to strengthen border security for visa-exempt travellers, but differ in scope, requirements, and timelines.

UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

The UK ETA is a pre-travel clearance for non-visa nationals visiting the UK as Standard Visitors (excluding marriage / civil partnership visitors) or Creative Workers under a temporary work route. Travellers must apply online or via the ETA app, pay a £10 fee (rising to £16 from 9 April 2025), and provide biometric and passport details, along with answers to security-related questions.

The ETA rolled out in phases starting in 2023 and now applies to most visa-exempt nationals, including from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland as of 2 April 2025. Only travellers using national passports are eligible; those with refugee or non-national documents must apply for a visa.

ETA applications can be refused for reasons such as serious criminal convictions, past immigration breaches, or providing false information. A refusal does not bar UK entry altogether, but the individual must then apply for a visa, which entails stricter scrutiny.

European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)

ETIAS is the EU's upcoming travel clearance for visa-free nationals visiting 30 European countries, including all Schengen states plus Bulgaria, Romania, and Cyprus. Expected to launch in late 2026, it will be mandatory for travellers from about 60 countries, including the UK.

ETIAS is not a visa but a security screening tool. It costs €7 (free for under-18s and over-70s), is valid for three years (or until passport expiry), and permits multiple 90-day visits within any 180-day period. Most applications will be processed quickly, though some may take up to 96 hours.

Key Differences

Feature	UK ETA	EU ETIAS
Region	United Kingdom	30 European countries
Launch	Phased rollout; fully in place	Expected Q4 2026
Validity	2 years or until passport expiry	3 years or until passport expiry
Cost	£10 (£16 from April 2025)	€7 (exemptions apply)
Eligibility	Non-visa nationals	Visa-free third-country nationals
Refusals	Based on criminal, immigration, or financial history	Based on security database checks
Alternatives	Visa application if refused	Schengen visa if refused

Shared Objective: Pre-Arrival Security

Both ETA and ETIAS reflect a global shift toward digital pre-screening for visa-free travel. These systems aim to identify high-risk individuals before travel, improve border efficiency, and support public safety without overly burdening low-risk travellers.

Next Steps

If you're planning to travel to the UK, check if you need an ETA and apply in advance to avoid delays or refusals. For EU travel, stay updated on ETIAS developments ahead of its 2026 launch.

Find out more about our Immigration services here.

David Winnie Partner, Head of Sports & Immigration

Phone: 0203 675 7507 Email: [email protected]

The information and opinions contained in this blog are for information only. They are not intended to constitute advice and should not be relied upon or considered as a replacement for advice. Before acting on any information contained in this blog, please seek solicitor's advice from Gilson Gray.