New App Requirement for Entering the UK: Electronic Travel Authorization Mandated

Travelers from Germany planning to visit the United Kingdom will need to prepare for a new requirement starting Wednesday, April 2. Those without a visa will be required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) linked to their passport before boarding flights or beginning their journeys. This new regulation aims to enhance security measures and streamline the entry process into the UK.

The ETA application can be completed through a dedicated mobile app, which requires a passport photo and a face photo for applicants over the age of nine. Additionally, applicants must answer several questions regarding their employment status and any past criminal convictions. The application costs approximately EUR12 initially, rising to nearly EUR20 after April 9.

Travelers who do not secure their ETA prior to travel will face denial of boarding by airlines or be turned away at border control. Airlines such as Lufthansa, which operates numerous daily flights to the UK from various German airports, have implemented system-assisted checks during the check-in process to ensure compliance with this new requirement. They have also been actively informing passengers via email and during online check-ins about the new ETA necessity.

Other carriers, including EasyJet, have similarly communicated the requirements to their passengers. The British border authorities hold the final decision regarding entry.

The introduction of the ETA is not only a measure to bolster security but is also anticipated to generate significant revenue for the UK government. The automated processing of applications is expected to result in a quick turnaround time for applicants, although the government advises a potential processing delay of up to three business days.

The ETA will allow for multiple entries into the UK over a two-year period, with each stay lasting up to six months. This opens up possibilities for short-term studies or other temporary visits without needing a full visa.