Dutch traveling to UK need an online travel permit from today
From today, Dutch people who want to travel to or through the United Kingdom must first apply for a special travel permit called an electronic travel authorization (ETA). Applications happen online via a special app and will be approved or declined within three days, though it often happens faster. The ETA is valid for two years, during which holders can travel to the UK multiple times.
At the start of this year, the British government made travel permits mandatory for travelers from 50 non-European countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia, NOS reports. European citizens are also required to register online from today.
You need an ETA if you want to go to England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, or Wales for a holiday, to visit family and friends, for a business trip, or to study for a short period. The ETA allows you to stay in the UK for up to six months at a time. People who want to stay longer, for work or studies, for example, need to apply for a regular visa.
Applying for an ETA currently costs 10 pounds (around 12 euros) per person, but will increase to 16 pounds (around 20 euros) next week. Babies and children also need to apply.
The British government wants the travel permits to give customs a better insight into who wants to travel to the United Kingdom. They also want the permit to help keep out people “who pose a threat.”
Dutch travel organizations expect that the ETA will cause longer waiting times at the border for holidaymakers traveling to the UK.
