New Travel Authorization Requirement for Europeans Visiting
UK: ABTA Provides Clarity&amp, watts, quot,

New Travel Authorization Requirement for Europeans Visiting UK: ABTA Provides Clarity- Image Credit ABTA

The UK now requires an Electronic Travel Authorization ( ETA ) for European visitors.
ABTA warning that the ETIAS, a similar authorization for UK tourists visiting Europe, is not yet in influence and warns against possible fraudulent sites.
According to the Association of British Travel Agents ( ABTA ), UK citizens planning to travel to Europe need not take immediate action in response to new travel authorization requirements. The clarification follows the introduction of a requirement for Europeans visiting the UK to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization ( ETA ). The new legislation, successful from 2nd April, mandates an ETA for European tourists to the British unless they hold a British or European passport, are British citizens, possess a card, or join one of the other exemptions. While the latest ETA price is £10, it will raise to £16 on 9 April. But, ABTA stresses that the German Travel Information and Authorization System ( ETIAS )- an similar authorization for UK tourists visiting Europe- is hardly expected to be launched until the end of 2026. The journey organization warns against falling victim to fraudulent sites claiming to offer the ETIAS support, as the program is not yet functional. Another change travelers must prepare for is the upcoming EU Entry/Exit System ( EES ), a digital border system replacing passport stamping with facial recognition scans and fingerprinting. Although the EES release has been delayed several times, the EU aims to offer it by October 2025. Graeme Buck, Director of Communications at ABTA, underscored the need for knowledge about these shifts. He reassured that the only immediate actions required is for European tourists to the UK to apply for an ETA. No modifications are expected for UK guests going to Europe this summer, though the situation could advance with the planned changes after in the year. For more information on the new ETA and future ETIAS, tourists can explore the ABTA website ( The UK’s ETA plan and Forthcoming changes for travel to Europe ).