All European visitors now need ETA approval to enter the UK
The United Kingdom has introduced today (April 2) a new entry scheme for travellers which requires all European citizens – including Portuguese travellers – to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for short stays (less than six months).
Travelers can apply for the ETA via an official government website or through a mobile app available on the App Store and Google Play. The UK government advises applying well in advance, as approval may take up to three days -sometimes longer in certain cases.
The application process requires travelers to submit personal and biometric data, along with a processing fee of £10 (approximately €12). However, from April 9, this fee will increase to £16 (around €19). All travelers, including infants and children, must have an ETA to enter the UK.
Some categories of travelers are not required to obtain an ETA, including:
- Those with a valid visa;
- Individuals with permission to live, work, or study in the UK;
- Travelers making an air transit through the UK without passing border control (airlines should be consulted to confirm requirements);
- British and Irish citizens;
- Holders of passports from British Overseas Territories;
- Holders of British (Overseas) passports;
- Dual nationals (British or Irish) with a valid passport;
- Irish residents traveling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man;
- School children traveling under the France-UK school travel protocol;
- Those exempt from UK border control checks.
Holders of an ETA are allowed to:
- visit the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business or short-term study
- visit the UK for up to 3 months on the Creative Worker visa concession
- visit the UK for a permitted paid engagement
- transit through a UK airport if they will pass through border control
More information can be found on the UK government’s website.
