Travelling to London on the Eurostar? Many nationalities now need a UK ETA before entering the United Kingdom.
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital permission to travel to the United Kingdom. It's the UK's equivalent of the US ESTA — a pre-screening requirement for visitors who don't need a visa but do need to register before arrival.
The ETA applies to visitors travelling to the UK from non-visa countries, including nationals of the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, and many other countries. If you're taking the Eurostar to London, you may need a UK ETA.
If you're travelling from Paris, Brussels, or Amsterdam to London on the Eurostar, you clear UK immigration at your departure station. The border officer will check your ETA status electronically via your passport. Make sure your ETA is approved before you travel.
These are two completely separate systems. The UK ETA is for entering the United Kingdom. ETIAS is for entering the Schengen area (France, Belgium, Netherlands, etc.). If you're doing a return Eurostar trip — say London to Paris and back — you may need both, depending on your nationality and when ETIAS launches.