NEW TRAVEL REGULATIONS FOR UK AND EUROPEAN UNION FROM JANUARY 2025

Global travel regulations are evolving, here are the key changes to upcoming systems that will affect travel to the UK and the EU:

Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs) are being introduced worldwide for visitors to the UK who do not currently need a visa for short stays, or who do not already have a UK immigration status – an ETA is a digital permission to travel.

Eligible non-Europeans can apply in advance from 27 November 2024 and will need an ETA to travel from 8 January 2025.

Eligible Europeans can apply from 5 March 2025 and will need an ETA to travel from 2 April 2025.

Gulf Cooperation Council visitors already need an ETA to travel to the UK.

Visitors can apply in advance and find out when to do so on GOV.UK

An ETA costs £10 and permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time over two years or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever is sooner.

Check requirements early: Don’t forget to apply for ETA (UK) or ETIAS (EU) before travelling!

Be prepared at the border: Get used to biometric checks (fingerprints, face scans) under EES.

Stay informed: Dates are rolling out – plan ahead to avoid surprises!