Electronic pass required to visit the United Kingdom
Since Brexit, the United Kingdom is no longer part of the European Union. And there is no customs agreement. Therefore, from April 2025, in addition to your passport, EU nationals will have to obtain an electronic authorization to go there.
Traveling in Europe was supposed to be easier with Schengen and the European Union. Britain’s withdrawal, Brexit, is throwing in a new complication. From 2 April 2025, you will need to obtain an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) to cross the Channel. This mandatory digital visa for any visitor will be needed even in transit through an airport, including for babies and children. The online form will cost £10 (approx. €12) per person. However, it will be valid for 2 years or until the passport expires.
ETIAS to blame for new travel rules
Let's not blame the United Kingdom too quickly. The country is simply complying with the new European regulations for non-EU and non-Schengen nationals. From mid-2025, an ETIAS travel authorisation will be mandatory for non-citizens of European Union countries or countries with a customs agreement such as Switzerland or Norway for example. As the United Kingdom does not have this kind of agreement, the ETIAS will be necessary for its nationals visiting the continent. It makes sense to have the same demand in return with ETA. It should be noted, however, that the British ETA will not be necessary for the Irish.
(Olivier Duquesne/ML – Source: RTBF – Picture: © Olivier Duquesne)