As new rules come into force for European travellers wishing to visit the UK, ABTA is reminding UK travellers heading to Europe that nothing has changed for them, yet.
From today (2 April) there is a requirement for Europeans (who don’t have a British or Irish passport, are a UK citizen, or have a visa) to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
However, ABTA is highlighting that the equivalent for UK travellers heading to Europe – the Electronic Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) – isn’t due to launch for another 18 months.
In a statement, ABTA said: “If you have friends, family, or business associates visiting from abroad, they’ll need to check if they need to get an ETA. It currently costs £10 but will rise to £16 on 9 April.
“This is one of three changes coming up for travelling across borders between the EU and UK, but the only one to have gone live, meaning there is scope for confusion.”
ABTA also warned that while the ETIAS isn’t due to launch until late 2026, there are already unofficial sites purporting to sell them. “People who try to apply for an ETIAS now may be at risk of fraud, with a loss of money and possibly personal data too,” it said.
ETIAS won’t be introduced until after the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) is up and running. EES has been pushed back a number of times, but is now due to begin in October 2025, with a phased introduction over a six-month period.
ABTA Director of Communications Graeme Buck said: “With three new changes coming in over the next couple of years, we’re keen that people understand what today’s news means for them.
“In short, the only thing to act on now is for European visitors to the UK to apply for an ETA. Nothing will be changing for UK travellers going to Europe this summer.
“But, with two further changes planned, the situation may not seem simple! As the changes which will affect UK travellers start to come in towards the end of the year, ABTA and our members will be on hand to support travellers.”
