What is it?
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a new requirement for people travelling to the UK, including European and non-European freight drivers. The British Government is introducing this new arrangement with effect from Wednesday 2nd April 2025. ETAs must be authorised BEFORE travel.
It is a digital permission to travel to the UK and not a visa to stay in the UK.
An ETA costs £10 and permits multiple journeys to the United Kingdom during a 2-year period as long as the holder’s passport remains valid.
Obtaining an ETA through Harbour Shipping
Harbour Shipping is happy to help our clients obtain ETAs for their freight drivers to avoid any problems shipping goods to the United Kingdom. If you’re interested in this service please contact Sales Manager Michael Tschirch on (+44) 1304 200935 or email [email protected]. Michael explains,
“Although this is a straightforward process, we understand not everyone will know or remember to apply in time ahead of travelling to the UK. We also know not everyone has a credit card in order to purchase the ETA on the government website or app.
With years of experience and fluent German and Polish speakers on-hand, at Harbour Shipping we’re in a superb position to help our clients with this process, so please get in touch for further information.”
Obtaining an ETA Independently
Anyone wishing to obtain an ETA can do so online now through two methods:
- Via the British Government website
- Via the UK ETA App using the Apple App Store or Google Play Store
However they apply, applicants should have their passport details and photo; £10 fee; and be able to answer a couple of questions.
After that the ETA can be confirmed almost immediately but in some cases it might take 3 working days, so it pays to apply a few days before travelling to guarantee having the right authorisation at the border.
Ensure Your Drivers have an ETA
Hauliers and shippers should remember that without an ETA your drivers will not be allowed to travel to the United Kingdom and this might delay your vehicle.
For more information please see the Home Office guidance notes here:
https://homeofficemedia.blog.gov.uk/electronic-travel-authorisation-eta-factsheet-march-2025/
