Non-EU citizens now have to pay a 10-pound (11,95 euro) fee when they enter the United Kingdom. From April 2025, the fee will also apply to EU citizens. Here’s what you need to know: 

UK introduces 10-pound ETA fee for non-EU citizens

Non-EU nationals now have to pay a 10-pound fee to enter the UK. Passengers must organise and pay online for the so-called Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) in advance of any short trip.

As of January 8, 2025, citizens of all non-EU countries have to pay the entry fee. From April 2, 2025, the fee will also apply to citizens of EU and EEA countries, including babies and children.

UK and Irish citizens are exempt, including UK and Irish citizens who hold dual citizenship with another country, so long as they use their UK or Irish passport at the UK border. Internationals with a valid visa or residence permit for the UK or Ireland are also exempt.

The one-off payment of 10 pounds will cover trips to the UK for two years, during which travellers can enter and leave the country as many times as they like and spend up to 180 days there. Any non-UK citizen wishing to spend more than 180 days in the UK must apply for another, relevant visa.

How do you get an ETA visa waiver for the UK?

Non-UK citizens can use the UK government website or the UK ETA app to apply for the visa. The application system will be opened up to EU and EEA nationals in March 2025, ahead of the April implementation.

The government estimates processing times of three days, but since you cannot enter the UK until your visa is processed and waiting times may vary, it is best to make your application as early as possible.

You will need the application regardless of the transportation you are using. You will also need the ETA visa if you are just passing through the UK as part of a wider trip. For example, if you are a US citizen living in Germany on a residence permit and flying to New York with a layover in London, you will still need the visa, even if you don’t leave the airport.

You can find more information about the requirements and visa application process on the UK government website.

Thumb image credit: 1000 words / Shutterstock.com