Change to e-permit fee on entry to the UK

We would like to remind all passengers that new rules for EU citizens entering the UK have been in place since the beginning of the year and were announced in detail in a post on the airline website on 7 January.  As of 2 April, visitors to the UK must have a pre-issued Electronic Travel Authorisation /ETA/. Bulgarian citizens who do not require a visa to visit the country can apply for an ETA from 5 March 2025.

In recent days, the UK Government has carried out a review of fees to ensure sustainable funding for the migration and border system. The cost of the Digital Travel Authorisation - ETA is to be increased from GBP 10 to GBP 16, with the fee change announced on 16 January. Pending parliamentary procedures, eligible Europeans who can apply for ETA from 5 March will be able to obtain ETA at the current price of GBP 10.  The effective date of the issue fee increase will be further announced once the UK administrative procedures have been finalised.

The permit is valid for 2 years or until the validity of the passport expires – whichever comes first and it applies to multiple travels to the UK within the period.

The list of citizens eligible for an ETA can be found at this page. All eligible non-European citizens who need ETA to travel and transit through the UK can still obtain the document at the current cost of £10.   

Following feedback from the aviation industry, the Government has agreed to temporarily exempt EU passengers transiting London Heathrow International Airport and therefore not passing through UK border controls from the ETA requirement. The full procedure for applying for a UK e-travel authorisation, and more information on how to apply, can be found  HERE.