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Visas required for other European countries as well
By Rebecca Jefferis Williamson
December 17, 2024 (San Diego) - The new year brings in new travel visa requirements for travel, even in transit, for the United Kingdom. Starting January 8, 2025, an ETA (electronic travel authorization) is required for American citizens and have it approved, and in place, if you are travelling to the region or through it.
Additionally, travel visas, obtained before you travel, will be needed in other European countries as well. Thirty European countries in 2025 will call for ETIAS (European travel information and authorization system) authorization.
UK.ETA instructions noted to use the same passport you received your approval on, when you travel, because the visa is attached to your passport number.
The official turn-around time for a UK ETA is noted as 72 hours, but the approval process can take place in much less time depending on an individual’s background and having travel documents that are current.
Simply downloading the UK.ETA app on your cell phone can be used to start the process. But, have handy your valid passport, a form of payment such as a credit card or online form of payment such as Apple Pay and be prepared for uploading your photo during the process. Depending on the exchange rate it is around $13.
If during the process the image of your passport, or photo, does not upload—rest assured---they gave this ECM reporter another chance to center the passport and face, in their app.
Below are links that provide further information on the process:
The shelf life of the UK.ETA is two years. Their government listed January 8, 2025 to January 8, 2027, even though it was granted in December in this reporter’s experience.
A retiree from Ohio, Raymond James, posted this on Facebook – “If you know you are travelling to Europe, even without a planned transit or stop in England. Best to get it. You could have something come up. If you need to jump on a flight that travels through an English airport---you can. Last minute change in plans, you can do it.”
Be prepared well before you leave to have the electronic authorizations in place. It will make for a much smoother trip.
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