London, with over 20 Millions of visitors per year, remains one of the top destinations in the world, But input rules have recently changed.
From April of 2025, All Greek citizens wishing to travel to the United Kingdom need mandatory online travel permit (And). This new requirement replaces the older regime for what a trip to London is being launched. Specifically, Although Greek citizens do not need traditional visa to stay up to 6 months, ETA will be necessary for every trip to England from Greece.
Electronic license costs 10 pound (about 11,94 euro) and has a duration of power 2 years or until the expiration of your passport. Furthermore, allows you multiple trips with accommodation to 6 months per visit. The use of electronic license was mandatory by the 2 April 2025.
What does all this mean for your next trip to the UK? In this article, You will find out in detail everything you need about tourist visa and ETA for England, From the application process to the necessary documents and costs.
Who need a tourist visa or eta for England
By changing UK travel regulations, It is important to know if you need a tourist visa for England or the new online travel permit (And). Requirements vary according to your nationality and the purpose of your journey.
Difference between a visa and ETA
Η and It's not a visa But a digital entry permit required for citizens of countries covered by a visa -free travel status. Virtually, works as “travel ticket” in the country, Similar to the US ESTA or ETA of Canada. While traditional tourist visa requires a more complex process, ETA is quickly issued electronically.
Furthermore, Both tourist visa and ETA allow up to six months for tourism, visits to relatives, Allowed Business Activities and Short Studies.
Which countries need ETA
Overall, citizens of approximately 90 Countries worldwide will need ETA to enter the UK. The system is gradually applied by citizenship:
- Bay citizens (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE): Already in force
- Non -European citizens (including US, Canada, Australian): From 8 January 2025 (applications from 27 November 2024)
- European citizens (including Greece): From 2 April 2025 (applications from 5 March 2025)
Need ETA if you are a country citizen with visa exemption status, Even if you are just going through the UK due to flight response. Only excluded those who remain in the safe area of the airport (airside transit).
Who are excluded from the obligation
No ETA need the following categories of travelers:
- Holders of British or Irish passport
- Double citizens of Britain/Ireland traveling with these passports
- Holders of British overseas passports
- People with permanent installation in the UK
- Travelers already holding UK visa
- Legal residents of Ireland entering the common travel space
- Kids from France traveling on educational excursions under certain conditions
Remember that ETA is connected to your passport and apply for 2 years or until the expiration of your passport.
When and why ETA is required for UK trip
The new ETA requirement is part of UK border control reform after Brexit. Understanding when and why you need this license, You will avoid problems on your trip to England.
Application dates for Greek citizens
The ETA system is gradually applied to different countries. For Greek citizens and other Europeans, ETA was done compulsory by the 2 April 2025.
Furthermore, For non -European citizens (including US, Canada, Australian), ETA is already in force on the 8 January 2025.
Power duration and terms of use
ETA is not a one -time license. Specifically, has two years of power from the date of issue or to the expiry of your passport, first occurring. During this period, you can do multiple visits In the UK.
However, Each stay should not exceed their six months. License is solely linked to the passport you stated in the application and not transferred to a new passport. If you change your passport or passport expires, You will need to apply for new ETA.
Response flights and special occasions
The need for ETA extends to special occasions of travel. It is worth noting that you need ETA even if:
- Travel via UK with a response flight to another country
- You have to go through border control while transferring with your flight
Only those who pass through air through the UK are excluded, without passing through passport check (airside transit). For response flights, It is recommended to carefully check visa or ETA conditions before your departure, Using official sources such as the site GOV.UK.
End, Remember that ETA's omission can lead to a refusal of boarding or entry into the UK.
How to apply for ETA or tourist visa
The process of issuing a UK travel permit is significantly different depending on whether you need ETA or tourist visa. Below you will find all the information necessary to prepare properly.
Online application via application or site
The ETA application process is entirely electronic and requires no visa offices visit. You can apply via:
- Of the British Government's official website (gov.uk)
- Of the UK app app (Available in official app stores)
The steps of the process include:
- Photographing or uploading your passport image
- Submit your recent photo
- Complete personal and passport information
- Reply to security questions
- Electronic payment of the fee of 16 England
Contrary to, Traditional tourist visa requires application through registered representatives and personal presence for interviewing and receiving biometrics.
Required documents and items
For the ETA application you need:
- Valid passport
- Recent photo
- Personal information and contact details
- Answers to security questions about your criminal or migrant history
Contrary to, For the tourist visa the required are more extensive:
- Passport with at least power 6 monthly
- Two recent passport size photos
- Completed online application form
- Accompanying letter explaining the details of the journey
- Bank statements 6 monthly
- Hotel detention evidence
- Air tickets
Time of Editing and Approval
Processing times are significantly different between the two options:
- And: Applicants usually make a decision within three days. Many even receive approval within minutes or hours, Especially those who do not have a criminal record or violations of migration legislation
- Visa: The process usually lasts 15-20 days to issue. Examination of a typical visitor visa may take at least three weeks
It is recommended to submit the ETA application at least three business days before your trip, while for visa at least one month earlier.
Cost, Duration and practical tips on travel
The practical part of preparation for trip to UK involves the understanding of the cost, of the necessary documents and ways of avoiding delays. Here are all the information necessary for your smooth entrance to the country.
How much does the tourist visa cost for England
Cost depends on the type of entry permit you need. Specifically, The new online travel permit (And) cost 10 pounds, ie approximately 12 euro. Some sources report price 16 pound, It is therefore important to check the current price on the UK government's official website.
What do I need to travel to England from Greece
By the 2 April 2025, For a trip to England from Greece you will need:
- Valid passport that remains in effect’ all the time of your stay
- Electronic travel license (And) that has been approved before the trip
- Individual ETA for each traveler, including children and infants
If you are traveling with your own vehicle, You will need additional valid driver's license and green international insurance card. Most insurance companies provide this card for free.
Do not leave the currency for the last minute
Changing pounds at the airport or London can cost you a lot more than you think. Trust Capital Exchange, No. 1 company currency exchange in Greece, To get pounds of England without any commission and with excellent equivals. You can also make an electronic order, quickly and safely.
Tips to avoid border delays
To avoid last -minute problems, Follow these tips:
First, Apply for ETA at least three working days Before the trip date. In addition, Prepare for longer border waiting times, especially in the port of Dover, The Channel Tunnel and St Pancras Station.
Furthermore, Make sure your passport has been issued within the last ten years and is valid for at least three months after your exit day from the UK. End, arrive earlier at the airport or port, As control procedures may last longer.
Conclusion
Applying in a timely manner and following the advice of this driver, Your next trip to the UK will evolve without unexpectedly on the border.
Prepare properly and enjoy your visit to London and other magnificent UK destinations, Knowing that you have all the necessary documents for a smooth entrance to the country.
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