UK 2025: Passport and mandatory ETA also for Swiss Travelers
Starting from January 2025 (postponed to April 2, 2025), travel rules to the United Kingdom will change for us Swiss citizens as well 🇬🇧. While an ID card was sufficient before Brexit and a passport has been enough in recent years, anyone traveling to London (or anywhere in the UK) will now be required to apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), […]
Starting from January 2025, (postponed to April 2, 2025) travel rules for the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 are changing for Swiss citizens as well.
While an ID card was enough before Brexit and a passport has been sufficient in recent years, traveling to London (or anywhere in the UK) will now require an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), a type of travel permit similar to the one we already know for entering the United States.
What is an ETA?
The ETA is an electronic authorization introduced by the British government to monitor those entering the country. It is a simple and entirely digital process that allows you to obtain a travel permit in minutes. Once approved, the ETA is valid for two years and can be used for multiple trips, provided you comply with the specified terms (for example, short stays for tourism or business).
How to apply?
Applying for an ETA is easy and can be done conveniently from your smartphone by following these steps:
When will it be mandatory?
The requirement to obtain an ETA for Swiss citizens and EU/EEA countries will come into effect on April 2, 2025. From that date, showing up at the airport without authorization will mean you cannot board for the United Kingdom, even if your passport is valid.
Why is the ETA required?
After Brexit, the United Kingdom introduced stricter rules for border control. The ETA is part of a system designed to improve security and simplify entry for regular visitors, such as tourists and business travelers, reducing verification times at checkpoints.
What changes for us?
This update represents a further step towards an era of increasingly digitalized travel. For those used to moving freely within Europe with an ID card, it might seem like an extra chore. However, it is worth remembering that applying for an ETA is much simpler than a traditional visa, and once obtained, it can be used for two years.
Practical advice
Don't wait until the last minute! If you are planning a trip to London or the UK in the spring of 2025, make sure to apply for your ETA a few weeks in advance. With just a few clicks from your smartphone, you'll be ready to go without a hitch.
Traveling to London will require a bit more planning, but with a passport and an ETA in your pocket, you can still enjoy the beauty of the city of Big Ben, perhaps while sipping tea in one of its historic cafes.