Great Britain Entry to the United Kingdom from Wednesday only with authorization
From Wednesday, a passport will no longer be enough to travel to the United Kingdom. Travelers from Switzerland will also need an electronic travel authorization (ETA). This is required for travel to England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
31.03.2025, 10:59
31.03.2025, 11:10
SDA
The entry permit, which costs the equivalent of around CHF 11.50 and is linked to the passport, is valid for two years and only needs to be renewed after that. This can be done via an app or online.
From April 9, the ETA will even cost 16 pounds (the equivalent of around 18.20 francs). Anyone flying or driving without an application will either be denied boarding by the airlines or turned away at passport control when entering the country.
In essence, the ETA is an additional security check, and the British government can also expect millions in additional revenue. A photo of your passport must be uploaded to the "UK ETA" app, as well as a photo of your face if you are over the age of nine.
Job, penalties, war crimes
The following questions must also be answered: Do you have a job? Have you ever been convicted of a criminal offense? Have you ever been involved in any of the following acts or suspected of having committed any of the following acts? (War crimes, genocide or crimes against humanity, terrorism, including support for or membership of a terrorist organization, support for extremist groups or expression of extremist views)
Confirmation of the entry permit should usually come quickly due to the automated processing, but the British government states a processing time of up to three working days.
The ETA entitles the holder to several trips and stays of up to six months in a two-year period. Short-term studies (up to six months) are therefore also possible.
