The entry regulations for Great Britain will come into force on April 2, 2025 and will bring major changes for all travelers to England.
Introduction of the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) ) System
From 2 April 2025, travelers from countries that were previously allowed to enter the UK without a visa will have to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). According to the authorities, the ETA system is intended to ensure that only authorized persons enter the UK and that potential security risks can be identified at an early stage before travelers reach the country by means of a quick preliminary check of travel data and the purpose of travel.
How does the check-in process (to Great Britain) work at Salzburg Airport?
In Salzburg, all necessary travel documents are checked at check-in as before to ensure they are available and valid (passport, visa if applicable, etc.). The ETA status is checked via a direct link between the check-in system at the airports and the British authority responsible for entry. If the system reports that a passenger has not yet applied for an ETA, the passenger will be asked at check-in by the handling company for the flight in question to do so independently as quickly as possible. Electronic processing should normally only take a few minutes - only in exceptional cases the process may take longer.
Who needs an ETA?
The ETA system already applies to non-European visitors who have not previously had to apply for a physical visit or transit visa for the UK. Travelers who wish to make use of a creative worker concession must also apply for an ETA. All EU member states will be subject to the ETA requirement from April 2 (each person must submit a separate application) - including Austria - as well as Andorra, Iceland, Monaco, Norway, Liechtenstein, San Marino, Switzerland and the Vatican City State, with the only exception being the Republic of Ireland.
To whom does the ETA regulation not apply?
British or Irish nationals (including those who also have a second nationality), holders of British Oversea Territories passports, people who already have a visa or a residence permit or settlement (“Pre-settled status” or “Settled status”; “Indefinite Leave to Remain”) for the United Kingdom or those who have to apply for a visit, work, student or family visa before their trip anyway. An ETA is required for a return journey from e.g. Austria via London to Jersey or another Crown Dependency, unless it is an “airside transit”.
What is an ETA and how does the application process work?
An ETA is a security check to be applied for online before traveling and is not a visa or tourist tax. It is not a visitor visa, work permit or residence permit and only entitles travelers to board a plane, train or ferry for a trip to the UK. However, the final decision as to whether the traveler is permitted to enter the UK lies - as before - with the UK Border Agency, which makes this decision at passport control. The application process for ETA is online and relatively straightforward (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta) .
Travelers must fill out a form, provide their personal data, enter their travel details and answer a few questions about themselves and the purpose of their trip. Approval is usually granted within a few hours, but can also take a few days in exceptional cases. It is important that the ETA is available before departure in any case - the absence of an ETA can lead to a refusal of entry.
TIP: Only use the official website of the ETA application, the authorities warn against online scammers: www.gov.uk.
Stricter security measures and biometric data
The central change at the heart of the ETA is the increased collection of biometric data. Travelers from all countries must provide their fingerprints when entering the UK, undergo a facial recognition procedure and be able to present the electronic travel authorization applied for in advance. The entry procedure is used both on arrival at the airport and at the seaports and Eurotunnel terminals. Travel experts assume that there will be organizational challenges and additional waiting times at border checkpoints, especially during the introductory phase.
ETA raises concerns among British citizens
While the British government presents the measures as necessary for security and control, there are still concerns from the public. Businesses within the British tourism industry fear that the introduction of the ETA and increased border controls could lead to unnecessary delays and inconvenience as well as fewer tourists. With high passenger movements during the summer months, the situation at airports and border crossings in particular could become significantly worse. Industry representatives are calling on the government, which stands to gain many millions of pounds from the new regulations, to come up with better solutions to make the travel process even easier and smoother.
