Immigration
DISCLAIMER: Neither the Event Organiser (C-IN) nor EELA offers immigration advice to EELA members. The information below is offered to assist EELA members in checking immigration requirements that may be applicable in June 2025. It is your responsibility to identify and secure whatever immigration clearance you require personally to attend the Conference. It is important that you check this both now and nearer the time: do not assume that immigration requirements will stay the same or that the same rules will apply to every participant or to any accompanying family members. No responsibility is accepted by the Event Organiser or EELA for any errors or omissions in the information provided below.
UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirements for Europeans attending the EELA London conference in June.
We understand that non-British and non-Irish nationals will require an ETA before travelling to the UK to attend
the EELA conference in June 2025.
What is the ETA?
The UK has developed a US ESTA-style system called the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme.
It means that non-visa nationals travelling visa-free to the UK as a visitor will need to apply for pre-travel authorisation.
When can I apply for an ETA?
From 2 April 2025 all Europeans (EU, EEA and Switzerland) will need an ETA before they travel to the UK. You can apply for your ETA from 5 March 2025.
Other nationals (USA, Australia, Canada and the rest of the world) are required to have an ETA from 8 January 2025 and are already able to apply.
How do I apply for any ETA?
You should follow the guidance at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta and download the UK ETA app to your smartphone to apply.
How much does the ETA cost?
It costs £10.
How quickly will I obtain my ETA?
Most applications are decided within a few hours, but can take up to three days to be approved.
Please allow plenty of time to obtain your ETA and do not leave it to the last minute!
How long is the ETA valid for?
The ETA is valid for two years.
What happens if my ETA is refused?
AN ETA may be refused is you have received a criminal conviction in the last 12 months (for example drink driving) or if you were sentenced to 12 months or more in prison at any time in the past.
An ETA will also be refused if you have been refused a visit visa or permission to enter or stay in the UK as a visitor.
If your ETA is refused, you will need to apply for a visit visa. Visit visas take up to 15 working days to process and can take longer if there are complexities regarding previous criminality or immigration breaches.