From 2025, international travel to the UK and many EU nations will involve a mandatory online authorisation process. These changes aim to modernise border controls while improving security and travel efficiency.

The UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

Starting 8 January 2025, travellers from nations like the United States, Canada, and Australia who currently do not require a visa for short stays will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the UK. This requirement extends to EU nationals from 2 April 2025.

Key Details:

• Fee: £10 (approximately US $12.75).
• Validity: Two years or until the passport expires, covering multiple visits of up to six months.
• Application Process: An online form requiring biographic, biometric, and contact details. Most applications are processed within hours, but some may take up to three business days.

The ETA programme aims to streamline entry processes by verifying eligibility before departure. Airlines will link an ETA digitally to the traveller’s passport, reducing border delays.

Exemptions: UK and Irish citizens, along with valid UK visa holders, will not need an ETA.

European Union Travel Authorisation: ETIAS

From spring 2025, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will apply to visa-exempt travellers from 60 countries, including the UK, US, Canada, and Australia.

Key Details:

• Fee: €7 (approximately US $7.40 or £5.80).
• Approval Time: Up to 96 hours.
• Validity: Covers short-term travel to 30 EU countries.

New Digital Systems: The Entry/Exit System (EES)

The EU will also roll out the Entry/Exit System (EES) to modernise border crossings:

• Features: Uses facial recognition and fingerprint scans instead of traditional passport checks for non-EU nationals.
• Goal: To expedite immigration processes, reduce fraud, and improve tracking.

Unlike ETIAS, EES does not require pre-registration, as travellers are automatically registered at entry points.

Benefits and Criticisms

While these systems promise faster, safer travel and help curb identity fraud, they are not without controversy:

• Concerns About Accessibility: The added costs and digital processes may deter younger or less affluent travellers.
• Loss of Passport Stamps: Many lament the loss of stamped passports as a tangible travel memento.
• Technology Dependency: Critics worry about the impact of technical glitches during travel.

A Global Trend

These changes reflect a global shift toward digital border controls. Nations like the US, Canada, and Australia already use similar systems. The post-pandemic surge in travel demand has highlighted the need for efficient, tech-driven immigration solutions.

As governments focus on enhanced security and efficiency, these digital authorisations mark a significant transformation in how we travel, paving the way for a more connected, albeit less nostalgic, future.