From 2 April 2025 Swiss citizens who do not need a visa for short stays need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to travel to the United Kingdom. The ETA permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time over two years or until the holder’s passport expires, whichever is sooner. The ETA currently costs £10. Swiss citizens can start applying for an ETA from 5 March 2025.
Swiss citizens do not need an ETA if they
- have a UK visa;
- have permission to live, work or study in the United Kingdom (including settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme);
- transit through a UK airport and do not pass through border control (check with airline if not sure);
- are a British or Irish citizen and prove their permission to travel with their British or Irish passport, or Swiss passport containing a certificate of entitlement);
- are a British Overseas Territories Citizen (BOTC) and travel with their BOTC passport;
- live in Ireland and are travelling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man;
- are exempt from immigration control such as diplomats and consuls based in the UK, Heads of State, government ministers etc.;
- are a child travelling on the France-UK school trip travel information form.
