New entry requirement for Hungarians traveling to the UK: ETA launches in 2025

Starting next spring, travellers from the European Union, including Hungarians, will be required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the United Kingdom without a visa. The UK Home Office announced that this new regulation will be implemented on 2 April 2025, affecting all EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals who previously could travel visa-free.

Application details and costs

The ETA is an online document that visitors can apply for beginning 5 March 2025, and will cost GBP 10. This authorisation will be valid for two years or until the applicant’s passport expires, allowing unlimited entries into the UK for stays of up to six months at a time, Portfolio reported.

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Enhanced security measures

The Home Office explained that the ETA would be digitally linked to travellers’ passports, enabling enhanced security checks before their journey, which aims to prevent abuse of the UK’s immigration system. The British government had previously piloted the ETA system for travellers from Qatar and has expanded it to include citizens from other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The ETA will also apply to non-visa nationals from countries outside Europe starting 8 January 2025, Travelo wrote.

Application process

Travellers will need to fill out an online application, which will be reviewed before approval. Similar procedures are already standard practice in countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia. This requirement extends to all visa-exempt nationals travelling to the UK, whether arriving by air, train, or ferry.

Exemptions for certain groups

Notably, EU citizens who have settled in the UK before the end of 2020 and hold indefinite leave to remain (EU Settled Status) are exempt from this requirement, as are Irish citizens.

Duration of stay and visa requirements

Once the ETA application is approved, travellers can stay in the UK for up to six months for tourism or business purposes. A visa will be required to stay longer than this. The process is designed to facilitate travel while enhancing border security, making it easier for approved travellers to enter without undergoing extensive checks.

How to apply for the ETA

Travellers can apply for the ETA online at the UK government website or through a dedicated mobile app. They will need a biometric passport, a valid email address, and a debit or credit card for payment. Applications are typically processed within 48 to 72 hours, and applicants are advised to apply a few days prior to their intended travel date to avoid complications.

Broader strategy for border control

This move is part of the UK’s broader strategy to digitise border controls, enhancing security and efficiency in managing travellers. Similar systems are expected to be introduced by the EU for visa-exempt visitors by early 2025, which will also require British citizens to obtain permission before visiting EU countries.

Impact on transit passengers

Additionally, the ETA will also be mandatory for transit passengers, meaning those merely passing through UK airports will also need to secure this authorisation. While this may create some additional workload and costs for travellers, it reflects ongoing efforts to tighten border controls and improve the safety and integrity of the immigration system.

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