English Corner

The British capital London remains a popular tourist destination, but the new entry requirements are hitting the wallet. Image: Adobe Stock

Great Britain plans higher entry fee

Swiss travelers who want to visit the UK from April 2, 2025, will need an electronic travel authorization (ETA). It has now been announced that the costs for this will be 60 percent higher than initially planned.

From April 2, 2025, travelers from Switzerland and the EU will have to register digitally before traveling to the UK (Travelnews reported). This is now to become more expensive than originally planned.

The British Home Office is planning a hefty price increase of 60 percent for the so-called ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization). Instead of £10 (approximately 11 francs), travelers will now have to pay £16 (about 18 francs).

The price increase has sparked protests, particularly among business travelers. Many fear that the new fees could slow down business travel between the EU and the UK.

However, there is good news for transit passengers, for example such as those traveling from an EU country to the US via London. Initially, they were expected to apply for an ETA as well, but the Home Office has now announced what appears to be a permanent exemption for transit travelers.

Nevertheless, all travelers, including transit passengers, are still required to have a valid passport. An ID card alone is still not sufficient for entry into the United Kingdom.

(TN)