New travel rules are on the horizon in both the United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU), as they introduce the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) and the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), respectively.
The ETA and ETIAS both aim to enhance border security and streamline entry for non-visa travelers. However, the two systems differ in scope, eligibility, and rules.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to help travelers understand the differences between the UK ETA and the EU ETIAS and prepare for these changes.
ETA vs ETIAS: A quick guide to similarities and differences
The UK ETA and the EU’s ETIAS are digital travel authorizations mandatory for non-visa nationals visiting the UK or Schengen Zone countries for short stays.
Similar to the United States (US) ESTA, these travel permits allow eligible travelers to apply online without undergoing the lengthier visa process.
Here’s a quick summary of the similarities and differences between the ETA and ETIAS:
| UK ETA | EU ETIAS | |
| Eligibility | Non-visa travelers | |
| Validity | Two years, multiple entries | Three years, multiple entries |
| Length of stay | Short stays of up to six months per visit | Short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period |
| Fee | £10 per application | €7 per application, except for those under 18 and over 70 |
| Application process | Entirely online | |
| Requirements | • Valid passport • Recent passport photo • Email address • Credit or debit card, Apple or Google Pay for online payment | • Passport valid for at least three months after intended departure date and no more than 10 years old • Email address • Online payment options |
| Processing time | Three days, more or less, or longer if additional information is required or the application is put under review. | Four days, more or less, or up to 14 to 30 if additional information is required. |
| Exemptions | • Those with British, British Overseas Territory Citizen (BOTC), or Irish passports • Those with UK visas or immigration status in the UK, including those settled and pre-settled under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) • Non-visa legal residents of Ireland entering the UK via the CTA | • Those with EU passports and residence permits or residency cards • Family of • Those with EU long-stay visas for work or study • UK nationals and their family members who are beneficiaries of the Withdrawal Agreement • Andorra, San Marino, Monaco, Vatican City, and Ireland nationals |
| Handling rejections and re-applications | Those denied an ETA are advised to apply for a UK visa instead. There is no formal appeals process for ETA refusals. | Those denied an ETIAS can re-submit an application or apply for a Schengen visa. |
More About the ETA and ETIAS
Both systems target travelers from non-visa countries but have specific eligibility requirements based on travel purposes and regions.
UK ETA
Launched in phases beginning in October 2023, the UK ETA requires travelers from countries with visa waiver status with the UK to secure one before traveling to the UK.
The UK will fully implement the ETA scheme by April 2025 for all eligible travelers. This includes Americans and European nationals who previously only needed a valid passport to visit the UK.
The ETA is valid for short stays of less than six months for tourism, permitted business activities, and short-course studies. It is also mandatory for transit travelers and those coming to the UK under the Creative Worker visa concession.
The Common Travel Area (CTA) agreement exempts Irish citizens from the ETA scheme. However, non-Irish nationals residing in Ireland who enter the UK from outside the CTA will need a UK ETA.
EU ETIAS
Barring any more delays, the ETIAS is set to launch by mid-2025. It will apply to travelers who currently do not need a visa to enter the Schengen Zone.
This includes travelers from over 60 non-EU countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.
Non-EU nationals or residents visiting Schengen countries for tourism, family visits, business, or transit will require an ETIAS.
It permits travelers to enter multiple Schengen countries, provided they adhere to a 90-day stay limit within any 180-day period.
Costs and validity periods
The UK ETA costs £10 per application and is valid for multiple entries over two years or until the passport expires.
The ETIAS, on the other hand, costs €7 per application and is valid for multiple entries within the 90/180 rule for over three years or until the passport expires. Those under 18 and over 70 are exempted from paying the ETIAS application fee.
Both application fees are non-refundable in case of refusals.
The application process
Both authorizations are processed online via an official website or mobile app. It requires travelers to submit information electronically. Once approved, the ETA or ETIAS is digitally linked to the applicant’s passport.
For the ETA application, travelers must have a valid passport, a recent passport photo, and an online payment option.
In the online application, they must disclose personal information and contact details. Applicants must also answer security questions regarding past criminal or immigration issues.
Most ETA applications are approved within three days. Applications under review or when the Home Office requires additional information may take longer.
ETIAS applicants must submit personal, travel, and passport details and answer security questions. The EU advises travelers to apply for an ETIAS at least four days before their trip.
In cases when additional information is required, it could take 14 to 30 days to receive a decision on an ETIAS application.
Transit passengers
Both the UK ETA and EU ETIAS apply to transit travelers, though exemptions exist in some instances.
The UK requires all transit travelers to have an ETA regardless of whether they are going through border control.
Conversely, the EU requires an ETIAS for transit travelers who will enter the Schengen Zone, even if only briefly. Travelers who remain airside and do not pass passport control may be exempt.
Irish exemption and rules
Irtish citizens are exempt from the ETA scheme due to the CTA. Non-Irish legal residents of Ireland who do not need a visa to visit the UK and are entering the country via the CTA are also exempt.
Ireland is part of the EU but is not part of the Schengen Zone. It has its immigration rules and border check system.
Handling denials and re-applications
The Home Office advises travelers denied an ETA to apply for a UK visa instead. There is no administrative appeals process for ETA refusals except for a judicial review. This may take longer than applying for a visa.
Travelers may re-apply and pay the ETA application fee again if they were denied due to errors made in the online application form. However, they must first be sure this is the only reason their ETA was dismissed.
If an EU ETIAS application is denied, travelers may re-apply. However, unsuccessful applicants can also apply for a Schengen visa.
Similarly, denied ETIAS applicants can re-apply or apply for a standard Schengen visa. Travelers who continue to experience issues should seek further clarification or assistance through consular services.
ETA vs ETIAS implementation
A clear timeline can help travelers understand when to expect these changes:
The UK ETA was first opened to Qatari nationals in October 2023 for travels on and after 15 November.
The rest of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states–Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)–followed suit in February 2024.
On 27 November, the ETA scheme will open to serve non-European non-visa nationals coming to the UK on or after 8 January 2025.
By 2 April 2025, European nationals visiting the UK must have an ETA before their journey. They can start applying for an ETA on 5 March 2025.
The EU plans to implement the ETIAS by mid-2025. There is no specific date yet, but it will be a phased rollout over a year.
During the six-month transitional period, travelers are encouraged to apply for an ETIAS before entering the Schengen Area. However, they won’t be denied entry if they do not have an ETIAS as long as they meet other entry requirements.
The next phase is a six-month grace period. During this phase, travelers must have an ETIAS to enter the Schengen Area, or they will be denied entry.
The only exception will be for first-time travelers to Europe post-transition, who may enter without an ETIAS if they meet other requirements.
Planning ahead for travel to the UK and Europe
For travelers from non-visa countries, the UK ETA and EU ETIAS are a step toward digitized, streamlined entry that aligns with global security goals.
By requiring travelers to apply online before departure, both systems intend to enhance border control efficiency while minimizing security risks.
Immigration experts advise travelers to be prepared for these changes. To avoid delays, travelers should apply for either an ETA or an ETIAS well in advance.
By understanding these new requirements and planning accordingly, travelers can ensure smoother journeys to both the UK and Europe.