The British Government is gradually introducing the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) as a travel requirement.
The ETA is not a visa, but a prior (electronic) authorisation to travel to the United Kingdom reserved for non-resident foreign nationals exempt from the visa requirement for short stays of no more than six months.
FROM WHEN DOES IT APPLY TO ITALY?
Starting from 2 April 2025 – with the possibility of applying starting from 5 March 2025 – for short-term trips to the United Kingdom it will be mandatory for Italian citizens, as for all EU citizens, to obtain an ETA before departure.
For non-EU citizens the obligation is starting from 8 January 2025, with the possibility of applying starting from 27 November 2024.
WHO NEEDS TO APPLY?
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 with a valid residence permit, including those with 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, within a period of two years or until the holder’s passport expires, whichever comes first.
Visitors must travel with the same passport they used when applying for the ETA.
HOW TO APPLY FOR AN ETA?
The authorization can only be requested online, via a specific application (Apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) – GOV.UK) or on the website (How to apply – Apply for an ETA to come to the UK – GOV.UK) with a feedback within a few minutes or within 3 working days (except in exceptional cases).
The applicant will receive a confirmation email. The authorization will be digitally associated with the passport; no document will there’re be issued to be shown at the time of boarding or at border control.
ASSISTANCE
For specific questions, you can use the assistance service provided by the British Authorities Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Webchat.