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  • Last updated: 19 June 2025

UK ETA for Romanian Citizens

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What is a 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.

Romanian Visitor Statistics to the United Kingdom

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.

Benefits of the UK ETA for Romanian Citizens

Having previously been able to visit visa-free, it’s understandable that Romanian citizens may have some anxiety and frustration over the UK ETA application. Luckily, there are plenty of benefits — it’s not as difficult as it might sound.

Applying is Quick and Easy

Applying is Quick and Easy

The actual application process for an ETA for the UK for Romanian citizens takes approximately 15 minutes. As citizens of one of the UK ETA-eligible countries, you simply input your details and receive a decision within three working days.

After the UK ETA launch date for Romanians, the system should run like clockwork.

The ETA is Cost-Effective

The ETA is Cost-Effective

An ETA for the UK for Romanian citizens offers good value for money. A single application grants travelers a two-year validity, allowing them to make multiple trips to the UK without additional payments. This makes it a budget-friendly choice for those who visit frequently.

ETAs Last a Convenient Length of Time

ETAs Last a Convenient Length of Time

Building on the previous point, after a successful UK ETA online application, approval lasts for two years, if the passport remains valid, and automatically syncs to your passport. Any new UK ETA 2025 applications will remain valid until 2027 — a convenient period of time.

UK ETA Eligibility Criteria
for Romanian Citizens

Romanian citizenship alone isn’t sufficient to guarantee a UK ETA authorization. When you apply for an ETA, UK immigration regulations stipulate that you should also meet specific criteria. Examples of this include:

1

Valid Citizenship

Applicants should have a passport of an ETA-eligible country to be able to apply for the ETA. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond their departure to the UK.

2

Applicants Have No Criminal Record

Applicants cannot have received custodial sentences of 12 months or more, either in the UK or overseas. Equally, applications from those who have received a criminal offense conviction within the last 12 months will probably have their ETA rejected.

3

Applications Do Not Have a History of Breaching Immigration Laws

Any Romanian citizen who has breached British immigration laws will probably have their ETA to the UK rejected. There are a few exceptions to this rule, including if the individual is under 18 years old.

4

Breaking Immigration Laws

The UK ETA questions particularly focus on suitability. Applicants should understand eligibility (such as only allowing visits of up to six months) and the acceptable activities the ETA permits.

UK ETA Validity and Duration of Stay

So you have a UK ETA; when does it start and for how long will it remain valid? After obtaining a UK ETA, it will remain valid for two years. It grants permission to arrive in the UK and stay for a maximum of six months, with the final decision on entrance subject to the opinion of a Border Control officer. The slight caveat is that if you have your passport renewed or replaced, an ETA reapplication is necessary as it will be digitally linked to the passport you applied with.

UK ETA Requirements for Romanian Citizens

You know who needs an ETA for the UK; what about the specific documents and information to collect beforehand? The supporting evidence for applications is the same for all nationalities applying for a UK ETA from Romania or elsewhere. Having these four details handy will speed up application processes:

Passport

Passports must be valid for six months or more. A soon-to-expire passport is a one-way ticket to an ETA rejection as it must be valid for the entire duration of stay.

Photo

After taking a clear picture of your passport’s biographic page, you are required to submit a photo for identification purposes. The photo must adhere to specific requirements mentioned on the UK ETA application form.

Payment Method

Payments are processed using credit or debit cards. Alternatively, Google Pay and Apple Pay are accepted.

Email address

You must provide a valid email address to receive updates on your application. Please ensure that this email address is valid and that you have access to it as you will receive the ETA on it if approved.

Applying for a UK ETA for Romanian Citizens

The application process is simple for Romanian citizens wishing to obtain a UK ETA. Simply follow the five following steps:

1

Fill Out the Application Form

Prepare the application requirements (passport, photograph, payment method, and email address). Then, open the UK ETA application form to input your details. You will be asked to fill in personal details like your name, date of birth, your arrival date in the UK, and your nationality.

2

Attach Required Documents

Attach the required documents when prompted, ensuring that information on the passport photograph or scanned copy is clear and readable.

3

Pay the Application Fee

Use your payment method of choice to pay the application fee. You will be required to pay the application fee using any of the following channels:

4

Submit the Application

Double-check your details and click submit — your application is officially under review.

5

Receive Your ETA

Success! Receive your ETA within three working days.

UK ETA Processing Time and Fees for Romanian Citizens

As an eligible Romanian citizen, expect processing times of a maximum of three working days. Often, ETAs will be approved quicker than this. However, it’s wise to apply in advance — don’t risk travel delays and repercussions by leaving your ETA to the last minute. The total cost of obtaining a UK ETA is £97, including both professional service fees and the application cost. Utilizing a trusted ETA service provider is advisable for those unsure of navigating the application process.

Traveling to the UK with an ETA: Key Details

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.

FAQ

An ETA is an Electronic Travel Authorization. It’s essentially a digital pass attached to your passport that signals you’re eligible to enter the UK for select activities for a duration of up to six months.
Yes, an ETA is a requirement for all EU citizens visiting the UK for temporary visits of up to six months if they are traveling after the 2nd of April 2025 with applications opening from the 5th of March 2025.
If your ETA is rejected, check the specific feedback to see on what grounds the decision was made. Once that is addressed, it’s possible to reapply.
Refusals are final and non-eligible for appeal. If your ETA application is refused, formally applying for a visa is the only route forward.

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info@uketa.com

This website is designed to provide travelers with information and assistance in completing the necessary steps for the online Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) application, at additional professional fees. YOYO Travels L.L.C is a travel and tourism agency based in Dubai, UAE, licensed by the Government of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism. We are not affiliated with the United Kingdom government in any way. Applicants still have the option to apply for the UK ETA on their own via the official government portal at gov.uk without paying any additional professional fees.

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