Published: February 27, 2025 | Author: DMPF Consulting
New Travel Rules for the United Kingdom: How Does the ETA for EU Citizens Differ from the Visa Process for Foreigners?
From April 2, 2025, the United Kingdom will introduce the requirement for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for all travelers from visa-exempt countries, including the Czech Republic. Applications for Czechs will be available from March 5, 2025. For third-country nationals, such as Ukrainians with Czech residency, nothing changes—they will still need a standard visitor visa.
What Is the Difference Between an ETA and a Visa, and What Challenges Can Arise When Organizing Travel?
Who Needs an ETA and Who Needs a Visa?
The ETA is intended only for citizens of countries that have a visa-free agreement with the UK, such as:
- Czech citizens and other EU citizens
- Citizens of the USA, Japan, South Korea, and other selected countries
Third-country nationals who have Czech residency but do not hold Czech citizenship still require a standard visa.
❗ Nationality matters, not the type of residence in the Czech Republic.
This means that even if a Ukrainian has permanent residence or asylum in the Czech Republic, they still need to obtain a visa.
If you are planning a trip, always check the nationality of all travelers and their requirements for the UK.
Real Example: School Trip to the United Kingdom
Imagine a Czech high school organizing a trip to London for a class of 30 students, including both Czech citizens and students with a Ukrainian passport residing in the Czech Republic.
✅ Czech students: Simply complete the ETA application online, pay £10, and can travel.
❌ Ukrainian students: Require a standard visitor visa.
What Does This Mean for Organizers?
- Travelers with a Ukrainian passport must personally visit the visa center in Prague for biometric data collection.
- They must provide extensive documentation (e.g., proof of study, financial coverage).
- There is no guarantee that the visa will be approved—the process can take several weeks.
- The costs are significantly higher because applicants pay not only the UK government but also a private company that processes biometric data.
If you are planning a group trip, check the visa requirements for each participant in advance.
How Do You Apply for an ETA and a Visa?
📌 ETA for EU Citizens:
- Completed online within a few minutes.
- The application requires only a valid passport, an email address, and a £10 payment.
- No embassy or visa center visit is required.
- Authorization is usually granted within 3 days and is valid for 2 years for multiple entries (or until the passport expires).
📌 Visa for Third-Country Nationals:
- Completed online, but the process is more complex.
- The application requires a passport, proof of finances, purpose of travel, accommodation reservations, and other documents.
- A personal visit to the visa center in Prague is required for biometric data collection.
- Processing takes at least 15 days, and approval is not guaranteed.
- A visa fee + biometric processing fee must be paid.
- The visa is usually valid for 6 months.
If you are a third-country national, start the visa process well in advance, ideally several months ahead.
Most Common Reasons for UK Visa Rejection
Approval of a UK visa for third-country nationals is not automatic, and the application may be rejected for various reasons.
The most common applicant mistakes include:
❌ Insufficient proof of finances – a bank statement alone is not enough; regular income must be demonstrated.
❌ Lack of evidence of return to the Czech Republic – such as an employment contract or property ownership.
❌ Suspicion about the purpose of travel – immigration authorities may fear the applicant does not intend to return.
❌ Unclear travel history – if the applicant has never traveled to the Schengen area, this could be an issue.
When applying for a visa, ensure you provide sufficient documentation and consult experts about your case.
How to Avoid Issues When Traveling to the UK?
✅ For EU Citizens:
- Apply for ETA online at least 3 days before your trip.
- Check the passport validity – ETA is linked to a specific passport.
✅ For Third-Country Nationals:
- Start the visa process at least 2 months before your trip.
- Prepare a complete set of documents (financial proof, evidence of return, itinerary).
- Be prepared to visit Prague in person for biometric data collection.
🔹 Need assistance with visas or permits?
Contact DMPF Consulting to ensure a smooth travel process.
Brands
About Us
DMPF Consulting s.r.o.
Laudova 1003/26, Řepy, 163 00 Prague
Company ID: 19765851
