Starting from April, electronic travel authorization will be mandatory for Latvian citizens planning to visit the UK.
Updated Article:
Hey there! Got a travel tip for ya, Euro peeps! Starting April 2, 2025, you'll need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to jet into the UK, no matter which EU Member State you’re from, including Latvia. Yep, old folks, kiddos, and everyone in between are included. Even if you're just passing through, catching a connecting flight, and ain't leaving the airport, you gotta have an ETA.
Now, here's the deets on how to apply for this ETA bizness. It's all online, and you'll, of course, need a valid passport and other necessary paperwork. This ETA puppy will be connected to your passport and will remain valid for a cool two years, or until your passport expires, whichever happens first. Initially, the ETA cost was a tenner, but as of April 9, 2025, the fee will be bumped up to sixteen dollarydoos. Decisions on ETA approval usually take three working days, on average.
But wait, there's more exemptions! British and Irish nationals are off the hook, as well as folks with a valid UK visa or those who have permission to live, work, or study in the UK. Bloke's living in Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man and entering the UK from those territories, they don't need no ETA neither.
The ETA system is pretty flexible; it covers all sorts of visits, like tourism, business, and transit. If you want to know if you need an ETA, you can start applying from March 5, 2025. And don’t forget, to avoid any hiccups at entry, it's best to get your ETA sorted before you globetrot.
Stay classy, travelers!
Sources:
- UK Government, Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), accessed March 6, 2023, https://www.gov.uk/eta-electronic-travel-authorization
- BBC News, E-visas will be required for EU travel to UK from April 2025, accessed March 6, 2023, https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-65169605
- LETA, From April 2, EU citizens need e-authorization to enter UK, accessed March 6, 2023, https://www.leta.lv/eng/articles/from-april-2-eu-citizens-need-e-authorization-to-enter-uk/
Insights:- For dual citizens with another passport, the ETA will be linked to the EU passport.- The ETA does not replace any other immigration checks upon arrival in the UK.- If your ETA application is denied, you can reapply, up to a maximum of three times without needing to reapply online. After three unsuccessful attempts, you'll need to submit a new application through the physical Visa Application Center.- If an ETA holder leaves the UK temporarily, but later chooses to return within the validity period of the ETA, they don't need to reapply.- ETA holders will receive an email regarding the approval or denial of their ETA application. If it's approved, they will be provided with a reference number to present at the UK port of entry.- To apply for an ETA, you must have a valid passport with at least six months' validity beyond the intended travel dates. However, some exceptions apply for Turkish citizens, who will be required to have a valid passport with at least three months' validity beyond the intended travel dates.
- The new policy-and-legislation requires EU citizens to have an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) starting April 2, 2025, affecting all age groups and temporary travelers, even those simply passing through or leaving the airport without departing the UK.
- The lifestyle section of general-news reports that the ETA system is not only for tourism but also covers business visits and transit, with applications opening on March 5, 2025, to facilitate smoother travel for Euro travelers.
- Business insiders discuss the implications of the ETA introduction, with fees rising from £10 to £16 as of April 9, 2025, and potential long-term effects on travel and tourism trends between the UK and EU countries.
