For the first time today, Europeans entering Britain should have issued an electronic travel license (ETA), equivalent to the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) implemented by the US.

After London imposed this system for about 50 countries in January – including the US, Canada and Australia – now it was the turn of citizens from about 30 European countries to have to acquire this document before entering Britain.

The British government recommends travelers to issue the EDA at least three business days before traveling, as in some cases additional information may be requested.

How is it issued, how much does it cost, how long does it

With the exception of Ireland, All citizens of EU countries, adults and minorsshould issue the electronic travel license, with the exception of those who have a visa (student, work …).

Before traveling to Britain, travelers must complete online through the British government’s website or downloading the UK ETA application a statement stating their identity details and answering a number of questions concerning, among other things, security issues.

It takes less than ten minutes to complete the application and the travel permit, which is digitally linked to the passport, Issued within minutesexplained by the British Ministry of the Interior.

The cost for the issuance of the document is up to the £ 10 (12 euros), But on April 9, it will rise to £ 16 (about 19 euros).

ETA has two -year power and allows its holder to reside in Britain for a maximum of six months. During the two years that her holder is in place can do unlimited number of trips In Britain, but if a passport is changed, it will have to issue a new EDA.

In addition, even Transit travelers through Britain will be obliged to issue the visa, with the exception of those who pass through airports, such as Heathrow and Manchester, where they do not need to go through a landing control.

The measure is part of the efforts made by the British Government to digitize its system to manage the country’s border management.

The EU predicts to adopt a corresponding system in 2026, with ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System).