New UK Entry Rules: ETA Now Required for Travelers, Including Eintracht Fans

ETA Mandatory:: An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is required for visa-exempt travelers entering the UK (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland) from April 2nd, 2025.

Application:: Apply *only* through the official 'UK ETA' mobile app or the official government website linked via [gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/?ref=yanuki.com){:target="_blank"}.

Cost:: £10 (approx. €12-13) if applied for by April 8th, 2025. The price increases to £16 (approx. €20-21) from April 9th, 2025.

Processing Time:: While often processed within minutes, allow up to 72 hours (3 working days).

Validity:: The ETA is valid for two years (or until your passport expires, whichever comes first) and allows multiple entries for stays of up to six months each.

Requirement:: You need a valid passport linked to your ETA. Children of all ages also require their own passport and ETA.

Consequences:: Without a valid ETA, you risk being denied boarding by airlines or refused entry at UK border control.

Why this matters:: This is a crucial step for all short-term UK visitors. Failure to comply will disrupt travel plans. Eintracht fans heading to London need to act quickly to secure their ETA before the match and the price increase.

SCAM WARNING:: Be extremely cautious of unofficial websites offering ETA services. They often charge exorbitant fees or attempt to steal personal data. Police have issued warnings about these fraudulent sites. **Always use the official channels.**

A valid passport.

Access to a smartphone (using the 'UK ETA' app) or computer (using the official website via gov.uk{:target="_blank"}).

A credit/debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay for the fee.

An email address to receive confirmation.

A photo of yourself and a scan/photo of your passport (the app facilitates this).

Plan Ahead:: Apply for your ETA well before any planned UK trip, ideally at least 3 days prior, but earlier is better.

Use Official Sources:: Protect yourself from scams and overcharging by *only* using the official 'UK ETA' app or the [gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/?ref=yanuki.com){:target="_blank"} website.

Save Money:: If traveling soon, apply before April 9th, 2025, to pay the lower £10 fee.

Check Passports:: Ensure your passport is valid for your entire trip and well beyond, as the ETA is linked to it. Children need their own passports and ETAs.

Confirm Before Travel:: Keep the confirmation email accessible, although the ETA is electronically linked to your passport.

hessenschau.de: Neue Regel für Trip zu Tottenham: Eintracht-Fans brauchen Einreisegenehmigung{:}

SZ.de: Großbritannien: Neue Einreiseregeln - welches Dokument ab dem 2. April Pflicht ist{:}

WDR: ETA: Was bei Reisen nach Großbritannien zu beachten ist{:}

UK Government Official Site{:}