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Travel to the United Kingdom will soon cost more for EU citizens. Beginning 8 April 2026, the fee for the country’s digital entry permit—known as the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)—will increase from £16 to £20, a rise of roughly 25 percent.
EU Travellers Now Require ETA
Since last year, EU nationals have been required to obtain an ETA before entering the UK. The application is completed online or via a mobile app and should be submitted no later than three days before departure, as processing can take up to 72 hours.
According to the Austrian Foreign Ministry, approvals are typically issued more quickly unless complications arise, such as criminal convictions or previous immigration violations. If an application is rejected, travellers must apply for a visa instead—an appeal is not possible.
ETA May Be Needed Even for Stopovers
An ETA can also be required for certain transit situations, particularly when a border check is involved. Only passengers making an “airside transit”—remaining in the international zone without passing through border control—are exempt.
“Travellers should always check with their airline whether their stopover in the UK involves a border check,” advises Dagmar Redek, travel expert at the Austrian automobile club ÖAMTC. “We generally recommend applying for an ETA regardless. In the event of an unexpected landing at a different UK airport or in another terminal area, having the permit can prevent unnecessary problems.”
Digital Entry Permits on the Rise Worldwide
The UK is far from alone in requiring digital pre‑travel authorisations. The United States mandates the ESTA, Canada the eTA, and countries such as New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Cuba also require advance electronic registration.
The U.S. recently announced plans to tighten ESTA requirements. “Travellers may soon need to provide additional information, such as details of social‑media activity from the past five years or previous email addresses,” Redek explains. She urges travellers to stay informed about evolving entry rules.
Warning About Costly Third‑Party Websites
With more countries introducing paid digital permits, the ÖAMTC warns of unofficial third‑party providers that charge excessive service fees—sometimes several times the official cost.
“In the best case, you simply overpay; in the worst case, you end up at the airport without a valid permit,” Redek cautions. Travellers should therefore ensure they submit applications only through official government platforms.
- source: vienna.at/picture: pixabay.com
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