UK ETA vs EU ETIAS: What Travelers Need to Know for 2025 and Beyond
May 28 2025
As global travel becomes more secure and digitized, both the United Kingdom and the European Union are introducing new electronic travel authorizations, called ETA for the UK and ETIAS for the EU. If you're planning a trip to Europe or the UK in 2025 or beyond, here’s what you need to know about UK ETA vs ETIAS.
What Is the UK ETA?
The UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is a new entry requirement for visa-exempt travelers, including U.S. citizens, visiting the United Kingdom. It is mandatory for U.S. travelers as of January 8, 2025, with other countries phased in shortly after.
Cost: £16
Valid for: 2 years or until your passport expires
Who needs it: Citizens of visa-exempt countries (e.g., U.S., Canada, Australia)
Application: Online or through the UK ETA app
Processing time: Usually within minutes, up to 3 working days
What Is the EU ETIAS?
The ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is the EU’s version of a pre-travel screening system for short-term stays. It's expected to launch in late 2026 and will apply to travel within the Schengen Area.
Cost: €7
Valid for: 3 years or until your passport expires
Who needs it: Travelers from visa-exempt countries visiting Schengen countries
Application: Online or via the official ETIAS app
Processing time: Most within minutes; some may take up to 30 days
UK ETA vs EU ETIAS: Tips to Remember
- Apply early: While most authorizations are approved quickly, delays can happen.
- Check official sites: Avoid scams by applying directly via gov.uk for the UK and europa.eu for the EU.
- One doesn’t cover the other: If you're visiting both the UK and the EU, you’ll need to apply for both the ETA and ETIAS separately.
If you plan to travel to Europe with Sunrise Tours, rest assured that we’ve got you covered. Detailed information about how to obtain the necessary travel documents—like the UK ETA or EU ETIAS—will be included in the travel materials we send you before your trip. Should you need help navigating the application process, our team is always here to assist you.
Whether you're visiting London, Paris, or both, understanding the difference between UK ETA and EU ETIAS is essential for smooth travel in 2025 and beyond. Start preparing early to avoid surprises at the border.
Back to Blog