European nationals now have to get an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) if they want to visit the UK or are travelling on to the Channel Islands via the UK.
From today (2 April) European passport holders, travelling to the Channel Islands through the UK must first apply for Electronic Travel Authorisation - a digital permission.
The ETA is required before arriving at the UK border. Everyone needs one, including babies and children.
The ETA currently costs £10 and permits multiple visits to the Common Travel Area, which includes the Channel Islands, for stays of up to six months at a time over two year's - or, if sooner, until the holder's passport expires.
We're told decisions will usually be made within minutes, and always within three working days.
ETAs will be issued in advance of travel and links digitally to the holder's passport.
Europeans travelling directly to the islands, for example on the boat from France, will not need an ETA until the autumn. For now, French day-trippers won't be affected.
Applications can be made at gov.uk, or using the UK ETA app.
- apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) on GOV.UK
- UK ETA on the App Store
- UK ETA on Apps on Google Play
- using the 'UK ETA' app on GOV.UK
The UK government hopes the permits will improve border security.
You do not need an ETA if:
- you have a visa
- you have permission to live, work or study in the UK (including settled or pre-settled status or right of abode)
- you are transiting through a UK airport and you will not pass through border control - check with your airline if you are not sure
- you are a British or Irish citizen
- you are travelling with a British overseas territories citizen passport
- you are travelling with a British National (Overseas) passport
- you live in Ireland and you are travelling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man
- you are a child travelling on the France-UK school trip travel information form
- you are exempt from immigration control
Read: European Travel Authorisation applications open ahead of 2 April change
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