EU and UK Will Require Authorization for Short-Term Stays
Heads up! Students and other travelers from the U.S. and many other countries will soon be subject to new border screenings.
In a nutshell, the UK and the EU are establishing separate high-tech authorizations systems that will take effect on different dates. These systems will boost government visibility of short-term visitors (staying for up to 90 days in a 180-day period), who are not required to secure visas.
UK: Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
Starting January 8, 2025, visitors from the U.S. and many other countries will be required to apply for ETA online. Approvals are expected to be rapid, within three days or faster. Travelers can begin to apply on November 27, 2024.
Fee: £10 (about $13).
Valid for: Over two years or until passport expires.
EU: European Travel Information and Authorization (ETIAS)
Sometime in mid-2025, U.S. and non-EU citizens will be required to secure ETIAS status. This system authorizes visa-exempt travelers to be in most European countries—ETA does not apply to the UK or Ireland.
Fee: €7 (about $8).
Valid for: Over two years or until passport expires.