UK to Extend Electronic Travel Authorization to Hungarian Visitors

The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) will be introduced for travel to the United Kingdom (UK) from April 2025 for citizens of all visa-free countries, including Hungary.

The ETA has been introduced earlier to eligible non-European nationals last year, including visitors from the USA, Canada and Australia. From April this will be expanded also to European citizens.

Ambassador Ferenc Kumin of the Embassy of Hungary in London stressed in a video posted on Facebook that

from April 2, all Hungarian citizens will be required to have an ETA when traveling to the UK.

He also explained how to apply for an ETA via an app.

Information on how to apply for an ETA can be found on the official website and on the Consular Service website. If travelers have any questions or problems with their application, they can get help from ETA advisers via webchat on gov.uk.

To speed up the process, travelers are advised to take a photo of the passport data page and a recent photo of the applicant (JPG or JPEG format only). Before using the online interface, make sure you have a passport and credit card. Although the ETA application process is quick, it is recommended that you arrange it at least three working days before your trip to ensure that you receive your permit.

An ETA currently costs £10 and allows multiple visits to the UK of up to 6 months over a 2-year period, or until the holder’s passport expires (whichever is sooner), reads the UK government’s press release.

The ETA fee will rise to £16 from April 9, 2025.

It is important to stress that the ETA is not equal to a visa, but a new requirement for all travelers who can enter the UK without a visa. The UK ETA is a digital travel permission that allows foreign nationals to travel visa-free to the UK for short stays. This includes those visiting for leisure, business, short term study, overland transit and creative workers (temporary work).