UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA): What Employers with European ties need to know

If your business has offices, clients, or colleagues in Europe, you will want to be aware of an important change in UK travel rules that came into force in 2025: the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).

Think of it as the UK’s version of America’s ESTA - a quick online permission slip that European travellers now need before they can head over for business meetings, conferences, or even just a quick stopover at a UK airport.

What is the ETA?

The ETA is a digital travel permit that is linked to the traveller’s passport. It allows non-visa nationals, including those from the EU, to come to the UK for short stays of up to six months.

It’s important to stress:

• The ETA is not a visa, but it is mandatory.

• Having an ETA does not guarantee entry. Border Force officers still have the final say when someone arrives at the border.

EU nationals now need an ETA to visit the UK for:

• Business trips

• Tourism or family visits

• Short courses or study

• Transit, if passing through UK border control

• Even children need their own ETA (though parents can apply on their behalf).

Who doesn’t need one?

• British and Irish citizens

• People living in Ireland who enter the UK from within the Common Travel Area

• Anyone who already holds valid UK immigration status or a visa

What does this mean for Employers?

If you have got staff, clients or business partners travelling from Europe, the new ETA scheme could affect their plans. Here are the key things to bear in mind:

1.    Plan ahead – Staff cannot just hop on a plane anymore. They will need to secure their ETA first, and although decisions are usually quick (around three working days), delays are possible.

2.    Budget for it – Each ETA costs £16 and lasts for two years (or until the traveller’s passport expires). If your business covers travel costs, you will want to factor this in.

3.    Transit counts too – If someone’s passing through the UK to connect to another flight, they may still need an ETA (unless they remain airside). This is especially important for European colleagues using London as a travel hub.

4.    No ETA, no travel – Carriers will not let passengers board without it. That means missed meetings, missed deals, and potentially some awkward conversations.

How Do You Apply?

Applying is straightforward:

• Head to the official GOV.UK website or download the UK ETA app.

• Upload your passport details and a photo, answer a few security questions, and pay the £16 fee.

• Wait for the decision (usually within three working days).

⚠️ A quick warning: there are scam websites charging inflated fees. Make sure your staff only use official Government channels.

Final Thoughts

For UK employers, the ETA scheme is not a huge administrative burden, but it is one more box to tick before your European business visitors can jump on a plane to come and visit.

The best way to stay ahead?

• Update your travel policies to reflect the new requirement.

• Communicate clearly with European staff and clients so no one’s caught out.

• Encourage early applications before travel plans are set in stone.

Handled right, the ETA should not get in the way of business. But ignore it, and you could easily end up with stranded staff or cancelled meetings.

The guidance provided in this article is just that - guidance. Before taking any action, make sure that you know what you are doing, or call an expert for specific advice