Starting from 2025, travelling to the United Kingdom will become more challenging for European travellers as a result of a new travel rule, which will be implemented by the next year.
Currently, citizens of the European Union enjoy the privilege of entering the UK without a visa or any additional fees. However, this is all about to change by April 2025, as the country's government plans to introduce a new travel rule by then, CNN reported.
The new travel rule requires European travellers to obtain an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) by paying a £10 waiver fee, according to a recent announcement by the UK government.
This rule, that does not apply to British or Irish citizens, will be implemented as part of the country's aim to digitise its border and immigration system with an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) scheme.
The non-refundable fee will apply to all visitors to the UK, including babies and children, without a visa, or permission to live, work or study, according to plans announced by UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper.
Presently, citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are required to apply for an ETA before entering the UK.
However, in a recent announcement by the UK Home Office, the UK Visas and Immigration and Minister for Migration and Citizenship Seema Malhotra confirmed this will be extended to include Europeans by April 2025.
It also confirmed that, before Europeans, this requirement will be extended to most other nationals, including those from the US, from November 27.
'ETAs help prevent abuse of UK's immigration system'
ETAs are digitally linked to a traveller's passport and ensure that improved security checks are carried out before people begin their journey to the UK, helping to prevent abuse of the country's immigration system.
"Digitisation enables a smooth experience for the millions of people who pass through the border every year, including the visitors we warmly welcome to the UK who are predicted to contribute over £32 billion to our tourism economy this year," Malhotra said.
She added: "The worldwide expansion of the ETA demonstrates our commitment to enhance security through new technology and embedding a modern immigration system."
