UK to tighten border controls for EU travellers from April 

Since Brexit, the United Kingdom has been tightening its borders, and on April 2, 2025, it will introduce a significant change that promises to reshape how millions of EU travellers cross into Britain.

While European Union residents have previously only needed their passports to enter, that will no longer be sufficient.

In a move set to impact not just tourists, but anyone travelling from the EU, the UK will require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for entry, RTL reports on Monday.

“For decades, EU citizens have enjoyed the simple convenience of just showing up at the UK border. But with this new system, we’re shifting the landscape of travel,” it stated. “It’s part of the UK’s broader strategy post-Brexit to strengthen border security and establish a more comprehensive screening system for all incoming travellers.”

This change, which was initially rolled out in January for visitors from several non-EU countries such as Australia and the USA, will now extend to Luxembourg and all other EU nations starting in April 2025.

PUNCH Online in a check to the UK government website on Monday reports that the application begins in March and the implementation in April.

It read, “The UK is introducing Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs) to streamline immigration, making it quicker and more secure for travellers. From 5 March 2025, Europeans can apply for an ETA, which will be required from 2 April 2025.

“The £10 ETA allows multiple visits for up to six months over two years but doesn’t grant entry—just permission to travel. This digital system aligns with global security practices, like those in the US and Australia, enhancing border safety and preventing threats to the UK.”

The ETA will be valid for two years, allowing multiple entries, but the fee could increase substantially—early discussions suggest a 60% rise in the cost, from the initial price of around 12 euros.

Children, infants, and adults alike will be required to apply for this authorisation before passing through UK border control, whether their visit is for tourism, transit, or business. The system will require personal details and a passport scan through an online portal.

“In theory, this will make our borders safer, but it will also mean more bureaucracy for travellers, especially those coming for short-term visits. It could change the way people view the UK as a travel destination,” warns Julia Tilley, an EU travel industry analyst.

While the UK government touts this measure as a necessary step to enhance security and manage the flow of people, questions remain about how it will affect British tourism.

“There’s always a balance between security and convenience,” says Tilley. “What’s unclear is whether this extra step will be seen as an inconvenience by travellers or a necessary safeguard.”

PUNCH Online reports that Brexit is a portmanteau of “British” and “exit,” referring to the United Kingdom’s decision to leave the European Union (EU). This decision was the result of a 2016 referendum.