If you’re a citizen of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland and planning to visit the United Kingdom in 2025, it’s essential to stay updated on the latest travel regulations. With the UK’s post-Brexit immigration and border control updates, travel procedures have changed significantly. Whether you’re heading to the UK for leisure, business, education, or family visits, this guide covers all the essential requirements and tips to ensure a smooth journey.
Access Life-Changing Travel UPDATES on TRAVUL.org Community & Connect With Fellow Travulers: (www.travul.org/twg)XS
Updated Entry Requirements in 2025
Starting from 2 April 2025, citizens from EU, EEA, and Switzerland (excluding Irish nationals) must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before entering the UK. This new pre-authorization is mandatory even for short-term visits.
Key requirements include:
- A valid passport is required for travel—ID cards are no longer sufficient for entry, unless you’re covered under special exemptions.
- ID card exemptions include:
- Swiss citizens holding a Service Provider visa.
- Individuals with a frontier worker permit, family permit, or S2 healthcare visitor status.
- EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) beneficiaries with settled or pre-settled status.
Those under the exemptions can continue using their national ID cards for entry until 31 December 2025 without needing an ETA. Irish citizens remain unaffected and can travel freely across the UK under the Common Travel Area (CTA) agreement.
Business Travel to the UK
If you’re visiting for business purposes such as meetings, seminars, or attending corporate events, visa-free entry is still allowed for EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens. However, from April 2025, you’ll need an ETA.
Permitted activities under short-term business visits:
- Attending meetings, conferences, or trade fairs.
- Conducting site visits or inspections.
Activities NOT allowed:
- Paid or unpaid work with a UK employer.
- Internships or on-the-job training.
- Direct selling to the UK public.
For employment-related travel, applying for a work visa under the UK’s points-based immigration system is mandatory.
Access Life-Changing Travel UPDATES on TRAVUL.org Community & Connect With Fellow Travulers: (www.travul.org/twg)
School Group Travel: Special Provisions
For school travel, French school groups benefit from a unique bilateral agreement. Pupils traveling under an approved school trip list can:
- Enter the UK using a national ID card.
- Avoid visa or ETA applications—even if the student holds a passport from a visa-required country.
Other school groups must follow general rules:
- Students must travel with passports.
- Additional visa or ETA requirements apply depending on the student’s nationality.
Driving in the UK as a Visitor
Visitors can legally drive in the UK with a valid non-UK driver’s license. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not necessary. However:
- EU or EFTA-insured vehicles should carry a green card or equivalent proof of insurance.
- Vehicles insured outside these regions may require UK-based insurance coverage if their country isn’t part of the green card system.
Importing Goods and Currency
Travelers bringing goods or cash into the UK must be aware of import thresholds:
- Declare goods valued above £1,500 when entering Great Britain, or above £873 in Northern Ireland.
- Declare cash exceeding £10,000 when arriving from the EU.
Additionally, restrictions apply on importing:
- Endangered wildlife and related products.
- Household pets and horses.
Always check the UK Government’s updated list of prohibited or restricted items before you travel.
Healthcare During Your Stay
Though EHIC cards may still be accepted, it’s strongly advised that EU, EEA, and Swiss visitors carry private travel insurance to cover potential healthcare costs in the UK. This helps ensure access to NHS services in case of illness or emergencies.
Mobile Roaming Charges in the UK
Post-Brexit changes mean that some European mobile providers may no longer offer free UK roaming. Before traveling, contact your mobile carrier to verify roaming rates for data, texts, and calls in the UK.
Traveling Through the Common Travel Area (CTA)
The Common Travel Area includes the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man. While citizens can move visa-free across the CTA, document requirements can vary. Be sure to verify entry rules if you’re crossing internal CTA borders.
Access Life-Changing Travel UPDATES on TRAVUL.org Community & Connect With Fellow Travulers: (www.travul.org/twg)
Family Members from Non-EEA Countries
Non-EEA family members of EU, EEA, or Swiss nationals must meet specific entry requirements:
- Possession of a valid passport.
- Either settled/pre-settled status, or an EU Settlement Scheme family permit.
Note that residence cards under Article 10/20 are no longer accepted for UK entry. However, travelers holding valid EUSS documentation are exempt from needing an ETA.
Final Tips for Smooth Entry in 2025
- Apply for ETA early to avoid delays or travel disruptions.
- Keep a printed copy of your ETA confirmation with you.
- Double-check passport expiration to ensure it’s valid for the entire duration of your stay.
- Be familiar with UK customs and import rules, especially if carrying goods or large sums of money.
- Consider travel insurance to cover health, cancellations, and emergencies.
Summary
The United Kingdom’s border policies have shifted notably for EU, EEA, and Swiss travelers. The introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system and the phasing out of ID card entry require advance preparation. Whether you’re a student, tourist, business traveler, or family visitor, understanding and complying with the new guidelines is key to a stress-free trip.
Stay informed with the latest updates from official UK government sources and travel platforms like Travul.org, your trusted partner for visa advice, travel news, and seamless bookings.
Access Life-Changing Travel UPDATES on TRAVUL.org Community & Connect With Fellow Travulers: (www.travul.org/twg)
