September 20, 2024

ETA Visas Required for the UK & Europe in 2025 – What You Need to Know

Travelling to Europe and/or the UK in 2025? There is one more thing to add to your to-do. In 2025, both the UK and most of Europe will be implementing a visa free/ETA system for all Australian passport holders. While this adds an extra step to your travel preparations, the application process is straightforward and not too costly.

UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Starting January 8, 2025.

To apply, visit the UK government website or use the UK ETA app. The application costs £10 and may take up to three days (longer if there are any issues) for approval. Once granted, your ETA will be valid for two years or until your current passport expires – whichever occurs first.

An ETA allows you to:

Enter the UK multiple times during its validity
Stay for up to 6 months at a time
Travel for tourist, visiting friends and relatives, business, or short-term study purposes
Transit through the UK

European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)

From mid-2025, Australian passport holders traveling to the Schengen area in Europe for short stays of up to 90 days will need to apply for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). The Schengen area includes 30 countries, so be sure to check that your destinations fall within this zone; otherwise, you will need to verify the visa requirements for any non-Schengen countries.

ETIAS Eligibility Criteria:

Stay of less than 90 days (multiple entries permitted)
Travel for tourist, business, transit, or medical purposes
Passport must have at least 3 months of validity beyond your departure date from Europe
Arrival via air, sea, or land

Applying for an ETIAS is quick and easy, but we recommend submitting your application at least 96 hours before departure to allow time for any potential issues. Here’s how to apply:

Visit the European Union website to access the online application
Complete the application, which will ask for personal details, passport information, and security and health-related questions.
Pay the fee of EUR 7 (plus any admin and credit card fees that may apply)
Wait for approval, which should only take a few minutes—though it may take longer if any issues arise, so accuracy is key.
Receive your ETIAS electronically via email

SURPRISE: If you are under 18 or over 70, you won’t need to pay the fee!

Once approved, your ETIAS will be valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

While this adds a new task to your travel checklist, the added security is likely to enhance your peace of mind while traveling.

At Airfare Geeks, not only do we specialise in building complex itineraries, but we are also known for our detailed and personalised before and after sales care. This includes providing our customers with relevant and up to date passport and visa information. For reassurance and stress-free travel planning, why not contact Airfare Geeks for your next holiday, and we will make sure you are in the know!