Also for the Germans: Britain tightens entry rules for EU citizens
Six years after leaving the European Union, Great Britain has introduced stricter entry rules for EU citizens. From now on, travelers from Germany and many other European countries must present a new electronic travel document before boarding their flight.
Since Wednesday, visitors from 85 countries, including Germany, must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before entering the UK. Airlines are instructed to refuse passengers who cannot show this document. The ETA can be requested online and costs about 18 euros. According to the German Foreign Office, transport companies must not carry travelers without valid authorization.
The regulation has technically existed since April 2025, but it is now being strictly enforced. In addition to the ETA, travelers must also carry a passport, as national identity cards are no longer accepted for entry into the UK. The change marks another consequence of Brexit, which ended free movement between EU states and Great Britain.
British Immigration Minister مايك تاب said the ETA system is an important step toward strengthening border security and modernizing the country’s immigration process. Irish and British citizens are exempt from the requirement. While many applications are approved within minutes, travelers are advised to apply several days in advance in case of delays.
Meanwhile, British citizens traveling to the EU are also facing new controls. Since October 2025, their data has been recorded digitally through the Entry and Exit System instead of receiving passport stamps. Airlines and airport associations warn that long waiting times and technical problems could occur during peak travel seasons, especially in summer.