ETA – Electronic Travel Authorization for travel to the United Kingdom
Starting from April 2, 2025, the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) will be mandatory for European citizens entering the United Kingdom. The ETA has been in effect in the UK since January 8, 2025, for citizens of 49 non-European countries, including the United States and Japan. This measure is one of the anticipated consequences of Brexit.
How to Apply for the ETA
- Complete the application form through the UK ETA app or the UK government website:
- Passport copy
- A clear, front-facing passport photo without glasses
Validity
The ETA is valid for 2 years, linked to the expiry of the passport. If the passport expires before the 2 years, the ETA will no longer be valid. A new ETA will need to be applied for and linked to the new passport number.
The ETA allows for multiple entries over 2 years with a maximum cumulative stay of 180 days per year.
Cost
The application fee is £10 (approximately €12), which can be paid through the UK ETA app or online via GOV.UK. Other websites may charge higher fees.
Who Does Not Need an ETA
- Irish citizens
- Those entering the UK from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, and the Isle of Man
- Europeans with permanent residence permits in the UK
- Those holding settled or pre-settled status
It is important to note that the ETA is not required for passengers only transiting through the UK, provided they remain within the international zone of the airport and have a passport from an eligible ETA nationality.
For individuals with passports from other nationalities, a consular visa may be required, even for transits, but each case should be checked individually.
Nationalities for which ETA is Already Mandatory
Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (including British overseas citizens), Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Oman, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Qatar, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Taiwan (if holding a passport issued by Taiwan that includes the identity card number issued by the competent authority of Taiwan), Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United States, Uruguay.
Nationalities for which ETA Will Be Mandatory from April 2, 2025
(permits are already available)
Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Vatican City, Hungary.
All information available at this link (Apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) – GOV.UK).
Important update on Air India’s refund policy for delayed flights:
For Cari travel partner flight delays, Air India is committed to providing the most up-to-date information regarding policies and procedures. Air India will no longer offer full refunds for flight delays where the delay is 60 minutes (for domestic flights) and 20 minutes (for international flights), except in cases where the delay meets the specific criteria outlined by DGCA. specific criteria outlined by DGCA.
For detailed information on DGCA’s guidelines on passenger rights, please refer to DGCA’s official website: Home | Directorate General of Civil Aviation | Government of India
Ryanair: Major change at check-in.
CEO Michael O’Leary has announced plans to eliminate dedicated airport check in counters within the next 6 months. Without ticket counters, it will no longer be possible to check in directly at the airport, a procedure that is now only disincentivized through the imposition of a penalty of up to 55 euros.
