Visiting and transiting through the United Kingdom (UK) from 2 April 2025

Local news, 25.11.2024

What Swiss citizens need to know about the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).

New rules for Swiss citizens visiting and transiting through the United Kingdom (UK) from 2 April 2025 © Gerd Altman via Pixabay

The United Kingdom (UK) is rolling out its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme. All visitors (including babies and children) who do not currently need a visa for short stays or who do not have any other UK immigration status will need an ETA to travel to the UK or transit through the UK. From 2 April 2025 the scheme will be extended to EU/EEA countries and Switzerland.

Swiss citizens do not need an ETA if they

• have a UK visa;
• have permission to live, work or study in the UK (including settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme);
• are a British or Irish citizen (they should prove their permission to travel using their British passport, Irish passport or Swiss passport containing a certificate of entitlement);
• live in Ireland and they are travelling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man.

The ETA will cost £10 and lasts up to two years, or until the holder's passport expires, whichever is sooner.

Swiss citizens can start applying for an ETA from 5 March 2025.

Further information about the UK ETA, including who does not need one

What is an ETA

How to apply for a UK ETA

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