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 is important to note that an ETA is not a visa. Submitting the UK ETA online application simply grants travel authorisation under a visa-exemption agreement.

Entry rules have changed in the UK. Romanian citizens were previously able to enter the UK without a visa, but under the new ETA system, they now require an Electronic Travel Authorisation. This guide explains everything — definitions, eligibility, processes, and advantages — to help Romanian citizens prepare for these upcoming changes.

Romanians must obtain an ETA for the following travel purposes:

Visit the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, business, visiting family/friends, or short-term study.
Transit through the UK, if passing through border control.
Attend a permitted paid engagement.
Stay up to 3 months under the Creative Worker visa concession.

For these visit categories, EU citizens do not require a visa — only an ETA. Romania is one of the EU countries eligible for the ETA, and Romanian citizens must apply before travelling.

Applications for Romanian citizens open on 5 March 2025, and the ETA becomes mandatory for travel on or after 2 April 2025.

Although Brexit changed travel policies between the UK and EU, the ETA scheme is not solely a Brexit-related measure. It aims to modernise UK border management and applies to citizens from dozens of countries including Romania and the United States.

Romanian Visitor Statistics to the United Kingdom

There were 805,000 visits from Romania to the UK in 2023 — an increase from 634,000 in 2022 — making Romania the 13th most common country of origin for UK visitors. This strong travel connection makes Romania an important addition to the ETA-eligible countries.

Benefits of the UK ETA for Romanian Citizens

Although Romanian travellers are adjusting from visa-free entry to a mandatory ETA, the new system offers several advantages.

Applying is Quick and Easy

The ETA application takes around 15 minutes. As citizens of an ETA-eligible country, Romanians simply submit their details and typically receive a decision within three working days. After the Romanian ETA launch, processing is expected to run efficiently.

Cost-Effective

A single ETA is valid for two years and allows multiple UK trips without extra fees. This makes it a budget-friendly option for frequent travellers.

Convenient Validity

Once approved, a UK ETA for Romanian citizens lasts two years (or until the passport expires). It is digitally linked to the passport, making border checks smoother.

UK ETA Eligibility Criteria for Romanian Citizens

Romanian citizenship alone does not guarantee ETA approval. Applicants must meet additional UK immigration suitability requirements outlined below.

Valid Citizenship

Applicants must hold a Romanian passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of arrival in the UK.

No Criminal Record

Applicants must not have received a custodial sentence of 12 months or more, in the UK or abroad. Recent criminal convictions may also result in refusal.

No Immigration Breaches

Anyone who has violated UK immigration rules may have their ETA denied. Some exceptions may apply to minors.

Follow Permitted Activities

Applicants must understand ETA limits — stays up to 6 months and only permitted visit activities — when applying.

UK ETA Validity and Duration of Stay

A UK ETA for Romanian citizens remains valid for two years from approval. Travellers may stay in the UK for up to six months per visit. Final entry permission is always at the discretion of UK Border Control officers.

If a passport is renewed or replaced, travellers must apply for a new ETA because it is digitally linked to the original passport.

UK ETA Requirements

Ensure you meet all the basic requirements and have the necessary documents ready
before starting your UK ETA application.

Passport

Valid passport with sufficient validity.

Personal Photo

Recent photo as per official guidelines.

Payment Method

Use card or digital payment options.

Email Address

Receive ETA updates and confirmation.

These requirements are necessary to verify your identity and ensure secure entry into the UK. They help authorities process your application faster by minimizing errors and missing information. Having all documents ready in advance ensures a smooth, quick, and hassle-free UK ETA application experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

An ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is a digital travel pass linked to your passport. It confirms that you are eligible to enter the UK for specific short-term activities—such as tourism, business, family visits, or short-term studies—for up to six months.

Yes. All EU citizens traveling to the UK for short stays of up to six months will require an ETA for travel on or after 2 April 2025. Applications open from 5 March 2025 onward.

If your ETA application is rejected, review the feedback to understand why. If the issue can be corrected, you may submit a new ETA application after addressing the reason for rejection.

If your ETA is formally refused, the decision cannot be appealed. In such cases, your only option is to apply for a standard UK visa, where your situation will be reviewed in more detail.

UK ETA for Romanian Citizens