UK ETA for Romanian Citizens 

The UK ETA is a digital travel permit that allows citizens of eligible countries to travel to the UK visa-free for short stays of up to 6 months. It’s important to emphasize that an ETA is not a visa. Filling out the UK ETA online application grants you travel authorization under a visa-exemption agreement.

In the UK, times are changing, and with that are its entrance policies. Romanian citizens were once able to enter the UK visa-free. However, under the new UK ETA system, Romanian visitors will now require an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for the UK. This guide will break down all the essentials — from definitions to eligibility and how-tos to pros and cons. These changes are coming up fast; here’s what to know about obtaining a UK ETA for Romanian citizens.

You have to obtain an ETA to visit the UK for specific purposes, which are:

• Visit the UK for up to 6 months to engage in tourism, visiting family and friends, business, or short-term study.
• Transit through the UK, if you will be going through border control.
• Attend a permitted paid engagement.
• Remain in the UK for a maximum of 3 months on the Creative Worker visa concession.

For visits that fall into the above categories, EU citizens won’t require a visa, just an ETA. As one of the EU countries eligible for the UK ETA, all Romanian citizens should apply for this special authorization prior to travel.

But when does the UK ETA start for Romanian citizens? That’s a great question. Other than Qatar whose citizens became eligible to apply for the UK ETA system in October 2023, and the rest of the GCC countries whose citizens were the first to be eligible for the ETA after Qatari citizens, the UK introduced the ETA for many non-European countries in 8th January 2025 when it became a requirement for them. For Europeans, the scheme launched a few months later.

Applications for a UK ETA for Romanian citizens open from the 5th of March 2025, and the ETA will become a requirement for travel on or after the 2nd of April 2025.

It’s no secret that the UK underwent Brexit, essentially severing official ties and excluding itself from EU regulations. As a result of this, legislation is changing for UK citizens entering EU countries, and vice versa. However, the primary purpose behind the UK ETA scheme is much larger than that of Brexit alone. It hopes to streamline borders to improve efficiency and applies to citizens from dozens of countries — from Romania to the US.

There were 805,000 visits from Romania to the UK in 2023. This was an increase from 2022, which saw 634,000 visits from Romania, and solidified the country as the 13th most popular country of origin.

With that in mind, it’s no wonder Romania was a priority addition to the eligible countries for a UK ETA for EU citizens.

There are some important things to remember when traveling to the UK using an ETA. For instance:

• UK ETA validity is connected to the passport used for the original application. Any individual who replaces or renews their passport will be required to reapply for an ETA. If you travel using multiple passports, make note of the passport associated with your UK travel authorization.
• The travel and entry process will include further checks, either passport scans at e-gates (if eligible) or final entrance approval by a Border Control officer.
• After passing border control, Romanian citizens can stay for up to six months, making the most of their visit. Whether they’re sightseeing, reconnecting with loved ones, or taking a short study course, they have the freedom to experience the rich culture and diverse attractions across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.