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PERSONAL IMMIGRATION

Applications to open for European nationals travelling to the UK as visitors from 2 April 2025

Eligible Europeans can apply from 5 March 2025 and will need an ETA to travel from 2 April 2025. An ETA is a digital permission to travel – it is not a visa and does not permit or guarantee entry into the UK – it simply authorises a person to travel to the UK.

Visitors should apply in advance. An ETA currently costs £10 and permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time over two years or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever is sooner.

The introduction of ETAs is in line with the approach many other countries have taken to border security, including the US and Australia, and helps prevent the arrival of those who present a threat to the UK.

What are the circumstances I may be rejected ETA?

Your ETA application will be refused if you have either been:

• convicted of a criminal offence in the UK or overseas for which you have received a custodial sentence of 12 months or more;

• convicted of a criminal offence in the UK or overseas unless more than 12 months have passed since the date of conviction.

What happens if someone is not able to obtain an ETA?

• If a person’s ETA application is rejected, they will be told the reason and can apply again.

• If a person’s ETA application is refused, they cannot appeal and instead need to apply for a visa if they still wish to seek permission to come to the UK.

As with all Immigration applications, it is always recommended that advice is sought from an Immigration solicitor. Our experienced immigration solicitors at DMH Stallard are able to provide more detailed advice on ETA applications and a range of other immigration applications. For more information please email or call us on +44 (0)207 822 1636.

About the authors


about the author img

Kamilla Kelemen

Partner

UK immigration specialist helping both business and personal immigration clients.
about the author img

Adam Williams

Partner

Specialises in guiding corporate clients through UK business immigration and labour law aspects of operating in the UK and moving people across borders.

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DISCLAIMER:

THIS INFORMATION IS FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES AND IS NOT INTENDED TO AMOUNT TO LEGAL ADVICE ON WHICH RELIANCE SHOULD BE PLACED. WE, DMH STALLARD LLP, DISCLAIM ALL LIABILITY AND RESPONSIBILITY ARISING FROM ANY RELIANCE PLACED ON THIS INFORMATION. ANY RELIANCE ON THIS INFORMATION IS SOLELY AT YOUR RISK. The provision of this information does not create a business or professional services relationship. This information is not exhaustive and does not attempt to address every issue relevant to a particular situation. If you require advice on a specific legal issue, please contact a lawyer listed on our website, dmhstallard.com, or send an email to [email protected].