New rules for those travelling to the United Kingdom will come into force from 2 April, when it will be necessary to have an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), the electronic authorisation essential for travelling across the Channel.

From today it is possible to start applying for ETA and the public information campaign of the British Embassy in Italy and San Marino is also starting, which uses traditional media and the main online platforms (Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn), to inform the greatest possible number of citizens about this new requirement to travel to the United Kingdom from next April 2nd.

All visitors, including minors, who do not require a UK short-stay visa or who do not have any immigration status in the UK, must apply for and obtain an ETA to travel to or transit through the UK.

British Embassy in Italy spokesman Pierluigi Puglia said: "We want as many citizens as possible to be aware of this important development, which is why we are launching a multi-channel information campaign today. We hope that no-one will find themselves in the situation of having to travel to the UK without the necessary electronic authorisation from 2 April."

ETA is "in line with the approach taken by many other countries to border security, including the United States and Australia" and aims to "help prevent the arrival of individuals who pose a threat to the United Kingdom", Puglia added, recalling information released by the Home Office in London.

The ETA currently costs £10 (about €12) and allows multiple visits to the UK for stays of up to six consecutive months, within a two-year period or until the holder's passport expires, whichever comes first. Visitors will need to apply in advance.

For information on eligibility for an ETA and how to apply before travelling to the UK, please visit GOV.UK. The easiest way to apply for an ETA is through the UK ETA app, which can be downloaded from Google Play or the Apple App Store.

If you do not have access to a smartphone, you can apply for one on GOV.UK (apply online). If an ETA application is rejected, you will be told the reason for the rejection and can reapply. If your ETA application is rejected, you will not be able to appeal, and if you still want permission to travel to the UK, you will need to apply for a visa.