UK, ETA requirement for EU citizens travelling to the UK

The UK Government has phased in ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) as a travel requirement.

The ETA is not a visa, but a prior (electronic) authorisation to travel to the UK reserved for non-resident foreign nationals who are exempt from the visa requirement for short stays not exceeding six months.

SINCE WHEN DOES IT APPLY TO ITALY?

Starting from 2 April 2025, for short-stay travels to the UK it is mandatory for Italian citizens, as well as for all EU citizens, to obtain an ETA before departure.

For non-EU citizens, the obligation has been imposed since 8 January 2025.

For more information on timing, costs, and the countries included in the ETA scheme, please refer to the website of the competent British authorities.

WHO MUST APPLY FOR THE ETA?

All non-resident foreign nationals, including children, who do not require a short-stay visa or have no immigration status in the UK.

The following people are therefore exempt from the ETA requirement:

• foreign nationals resident in the UK who hold a valid residence permit and, among them, the holders of “pre-settled status” or “settled status” under the EU Settlement Scheme.
• British and Irish citizens do not require an ETA.

HOW LONG IS IT VALID FOR?

The ETA allows multiple trips to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time, over a two-year period or until the holder’s passport expires, whichever comes first.

Visitors must in fact travel with the same passport used at the time of applying for the ETA.