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Travelling from Budapest, Debrecen to the United Kingdom changes significantly for many from today
Thousands of Hungarian tourists and guest workers affected by change from today: without the proper permit, you won’t even be allowed to board flights at Budapest or Debrecen airports. Fortunately, obtaining the necessary travel authorisation is straightforward, though it comes at a cost and can sometimes take days.
What is an ETA and where is it already in force?
Dozens of Anglosphere countries already require citizens of 85 states – including Hungary – that are otherwise visa-exempt to obtain an entry permit, known succinctly as an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation), or in the case of the United States, ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation). The system is already operational in Australia and New Zealand. Last year, the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) joined these three, though the ETA only became mandatory from today.
No travel to England without an ETA from today
This means that anyone lacking this entry clearance will be denied boarding at the airport. Moreover, it is required even for mere transit through UK territory if you leave the airside zone to change flights.
The ETA, incidentally, remains valid for two years and permits stays of up to six months in the United Kingdom. Holders may enter and exit the country multiple times, but no single stay can exceed six months.
How to apply for an ETA?
The application process is simple but must be completed online.
For smartphone users:
- Download the UK ETA app;
- Enter your email address, to which a verification code will be sent;
- Upload photos of the required pages of your passport. If you apply for a new passport, your ETA will automatically become invalid and a fresh one must be requested!
- Scan your face (mandatory for those over nine) and upload a passport-style photo of yourself (using your smartphone camera);
- Answer a few questions (some relating to your criminal record);
- Finally, pay the permit fee, currently £16 – roughly 7,000 forints at the current exchange rate.
Those without a smartphone can apply via computer on the official UK government website, though uploading images is somewhat more fiddly in this case.
Who pays if you end up in hospital in the United Kingdom?
If all goes smoothly, the authorisation arrives by email within minutes. Even so, it is advisable to allow at least three working days before travel to complete the process.
The Blikk also highlights that the European Health Insurance Card remains valid in the United Kingdom, but only for treatments available to British citizens. Travellers are therefore urged to take out insurance covering potential medical costs or other unforeseen expenses.
If you missed our previous articles concerning travelling from and to Hungary:
- Eyewitness claims piece from Hungarian airliner fell over Budapest residential district
- Attention: Wizz Air suspends bookings and online check-in for one night this week
- Ryanair unveils five new Budapest routes and expands base – but there’s something that could stall growth