Abta highlights ‘scope for confusion’ as ETA rule begins   

Abta has warned “there is scope for confusion” as new rules come into force today (April 2) for Europeans wanting to travel to the UK.

Today sees a requirement begin for Europeans to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter Britain – unless they have a British or Irish passport, are a UK citizen, have a visa or meet one of the other exemptions.

Abta is reminding UK travellers that the EU equivalent for UK travellers to visit Europe – the Electronic Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias) – won’t be introduced for another 18 months yet.

“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 April 9,” said Abta in a statement.

“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 about unofficial websites that have been set up “purporting to offer an Etias”.

“But as the system isn’t live – and won’t be for some time – 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,” said Abta.

The other change will be the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), and Etias will not be introduced until after EES is up and running. 

The EES is a digital border system which means passports will no longer be stamped, and travellers will have fingerprints and facial recognition scans taken.

EES has been delayed several times but the EU is now working towards October 2025 to introduce this new system.

However, it will be introduced in phases across six months, meaning not all of the scheme will go live straight away.

Abta urges Brits travelling to the EU from October onwards to be aware that they may be going through new border processes.

Graeme Buck, Abta communications director, 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.”