Changes to Entry Requirements for Travel to the UK and EU
December 5, 2024
As you prepare for spring international programs, we want to alert you to new immigration requirements mandated by the United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU).
United Kingdom
Starting January 8, 2025, everyone traveling on a passport from a visa-exempt country (eg. United States) will be required to have an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter the UK for any reason, including transiting through a UK airport. Travelers using a passport issued by an EU/Schengen area country (except Ireland) will be required to have an ETA later in the spring, currently slated for March 2025. Travelers will have to show that they have been issued an ETA in order to board an airplane bound for the United Kingdom.
The ETA application is online and the cost is £10. Once issued, an ETA will be valid for two years or until the passport expires, whichever date comes first.
More information about the UK ETA application process
Travelers from non-visa-exempt countries will continue to need the appropriate visa.
European Union
Beginning in 2025 (exact date is still to be announced) the European Union will implement a new Entry/Exit System (EES). The EES modernizes border management by increasing efficiency and quality of processes at the border and replacing passport stamping. It also simplifies travel and makes it safer.
Approximately 6 months after EES implementation, the EU will then require an ETIAS travel authorization. ETIAS is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals (eg. United States citizens) travelling to any of these 30 European countries. An ETIAS authorization must be completed before travel to any of these countries; travelers will have to show that they have been issued an ETIAS in order to board an airplane bound for the EU.
The ETIAS travel authorization entitles travelers to stay in the European countries requiring ETIAS for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Travelers can leave and come back at any time, as long as they respect this time limit. Travelers must be in possession of a valid ETIAS travel authorization during their entire stay.
The ETIAS application will be completed on the official ETIAS website or the ETIAS mobile app and costs EUR 7. It is linked to a traveler’s passport and is valid for three years or until the passport expires, whichever date comes first.
Although most applications are processed within minutes, if additional documentation is requested it could take up to 30 days, so it is advisable to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization at least one month prior to intended departure.
More information about the ETIAS application process
Travelers from non-visa-exempt countries will continue to need the appropriate visa.
Entry and visa requirements may change with little notice. Be sure to research the requirements of all planned destinations well before departure and check for updates frequently. Sites such as GU’s ISOS Portal and Travisa can be used to look-up visa information and guidance.