Wait, Do I Need a Visa-Waiver to Visit the UK and Europe?

1. What is the ETA and ETIAS?

The UK’s ETA and Europe’s ETIAS are both programs designed to boost border security. This includes passport holders from countries like the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

ETIAS is required for visa-exempt travelers to 30 European countries. It’s linked to your passport and valid for up to three years or until your passport expires—whichever comes first. Get a new passport? You'll need a new ETIAS too.


2. Does this apply to me?

If you're from the US, Canada, or a handful of other countries, you now have to preregister for entry before heading to the UK (yep, that includes England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland).

And soon, you'll need to do the same for the rest of Europe (ETIAS).

Sounds like a pain, right? But don’t worry—it’s actually pretty simple. Just fill out an online form, pay a small fee, and you’re all set.


3. Traveling to the UK and the ETA:

Got a passport from the US, Canada, or pretty much anywhere outside Europe? Heads up—you’ll need an ETA to visit the UK.

For all the details and to apply, check out the UK government’s ETA page. Pro tip: The easiest way to do it is through the UK ETA app.

4. What if I am just changing planes in London?

You’ll need an ETA to enter anywhere in the UK—England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. If you're flying in from outside the UK, it’s a must-have. But if you're just passing through and not going through UK border control (aka staying in the airport’s "airside" area while switching planes), you’re off the hook.


5. What about the ETIAS?

Planning a Euro trip? You’ll need to register for ETIAS to visit most of Europe—including Iceland and Cyprus. But there are some exceptions. No ETIAS is needed for the Republic of Ireland, the UK (they’ve got their own ETA system), or a few spots on Europe’s eastern edge like Bosnia-Herzegovina, Albania, Macedonia, and Serbia. Just passing through on a layover? You do not need to apply for the ETIAS for a layover alone, as long as you remain within the airport's security area.


6. When will ETIAS start? (spoiler, you have time)

ETIAS isn’t up and running yet and won’t be until at least the second half of 2025. For now, there’s nothing travelers need to do. The European Union will give plenty of notice a few months before it officially kicks off. Keep an eye on ETIAS news here.