ETA & EITAS TRAVEL AUTHORIZATIONS – UK & EUROPE

As annoying as baggage fees – now there is an additional “fee” for entering the UK and certain areas of Europe – mainly the Schengen Area.

In the UK it is called an ETA – Electronic Travel Authorization. Costs £10 and is good for two years on a specific passport. That is if you renew your passport before 2 years you MUST also renew your ETA. The on-line process is easy and approval is fast. This is NOT a visa but a control on who is planning to enter the country. For additional information and to apply

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta

Europe was supposed to enact their version – ETIAS – European Travel Information & Authorization System last year but it didn’t come to pass. As of this writing it is saying that is is needed for travel in 2025. As not all of Europe is covered in the Schengen area – please research exactly what you need for travel – especially if visiting multiple countries on a trip.

https://etiaseu.com/us-citizens

IRELAND

As of this writing neither an ETA or an ETIAS is required for the REPUBLIC of Ireland – Please check requirements if you are landing in or traveling through Northern Ireland on your trip. As the cost is relatively low £10 for an ETA – I’d go ahead and get anyway to be safe.