UK Introduces €12 Visa Waiver for Visitors: How to Avoid ETA Scams

Travelers visiting the United Kingdom will soon need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), costing £10 (€12), through an official UK government online process.

Who Needs the UK ETA?

Starting April 2, 2025, EU (except Irish nationals), EEA, and Swiss citizens must obtain ETA approval before traveling to the UK. This requirement follows its rollout for US, Canadian, Australian, and Gulf country nationals earlier this year.

The ETA replaces the single-use Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW), offering a more affordable and multi-entry alternative for travelers.

Apply for the ETA

🔹 Official Application Process: Apply via the UK government’s official website or the mobile app for a fast and secure process.
🔹 Requirements: A valid passport, email address, and a payment method (credit/debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay).
🔹 Processing Time: Apply at least three working days before departure.
🔹 Validity: The ETA is digitally linked to your passport, so no additional documents are required at UK borders.

Beware of ETA Scams

⚠️ No third-party websites are authorized to process ETA applications.
⚠️ Scam websites charge extra fees while submitting applications through official channels.
⚠️ Fraudulent emails and messages prompting applications should be ignored.