Home » DENMARK TRAVEL NEWS » Hungary Joins Denmark, Germany, Finland, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, and Many Others in UK’s Strict New ETA Regime – What Every European Traveller Must Know to Avoid Last-Minute Chaos at Airports: Everything You Need to Know
Published on
March 1, 2026
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Hungary has recently joined several European countries in adopting the UK’s new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, which now applies to citizens from 85 visa-exempt nations. This shift is part of the UK’s broader effort to tighten border security and modernise immigration controls, following Brexit. The ETA requires travellers to submit an online application before departing, providing passport details and biometric information. This pre-travel screening allows the UK to better assess security risks and streamline the entry process for most visitors. As a result, travellers from Hungary and other affected countries must adapt to this new requirement, marking a significant change from the free movement of people enjoyed within the EU before Brexit.
Hungary is now part of a growing list of European countries whose citizens must secure a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling, marking a significant shift in how the UK manages border security and immigration controls.
UK Tightens Border Security with the Introduction of ETA for European Citizens
Hungary joins the ranks of several European nations including Germany, Denmark, Italy, Finland, the Netherlands, and Spain, whose citizens are now required to obtain a UK ETA. This is part of the UK’s effort to modernise immigration procedures and enhance border security. The new system requires travellers from 85 countries that previously enjoyed visa-free access to apply for a pre-travel authorisation before they can board flights, ferries, or trains heading to the UK.
The introduction of the ETA is a vital element in the UK’s broader goal of tightening border control systems. The rollout of the ETA started with Gulf nations and expanded to non-European countries, before being fully extended to European travellers, including Hungarian nationals.
A New Era for Visa-Free Travel to the UK
The UK’s ETA system is mandatory for citizens of 85 countries that were previously exempt from UK visa requirements. This represents a shift from the days before Brexit when EU nationals could travel to the UK with little more than an identity card. Now, all nationals from Hungary, Germany, Denmark, Italy, Finland, the Netherlands, Spain, and others must apply for an ETA to enter the UK for short-term visits of up to six months, whether for business, tourism, or family visits.
As of April 2025, this new requirement came into effect for citizens of 34 European countries, including Hungary, as part of the UK’s tighter border regulations. Since then, travellers without an ETA have been denied boarding, with strict enforcement now in place to ensure only authorised individuals are allowed entry.
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How the UK ETA Works
Travellers from Hungary and other European countries must complete an online application or use the official mobile app to apply for the ETA. The application requires providing passport details, biometric information (such as a digital photograph), and answering several security questions. Most applications are processed quickly, with decisions typically made within three working days.
Once granted, the ETA is electronically linked to the passport used in the application. It is valid for two years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first, allowing multiple visits to the UK during that period. Visitors can stay in the UK for up to six months per trip for tourism, business, or short-term study. Even transit passengers using UK airports as a stopover will now need an ETA.
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Importantly, travellers must ensure their ETA is valid and linked to the passport they plan to use for travel. If the ETA is expired, missing, or does not match the passport, passengers will be refused boarding. Additionally, each individual, including children, must hold a separate ETA, and there is no appeal process through the ETA system if an application is refused.
Strengthening Border Security with Pre-Travel Screening
The UK government views the introduction of the ETA as a way to enhance its border security by collecting passenger data before travellers arrive. This allows authorities to perform risk assessments in advance, increasing security and speeding up the process for approved visitors. The UK government sees the system as a digital step forward, enabling smarter, data-driven immigration checks that are faster and more efficient for legitimate travellers.
This initiative mirrors similar border security systems already in place elsewhere, such as the United States’ ESTA and the upcoming European Union ETIAS programme. These systems require travellers to apply for a pre-travel authorisation before entry, increasing overall security while ensuring smooth travel for most visitors.
The Impact on Travellers and the Tourism Industry
The introduction of the ETA adds a new administrative step for travellers, especially those from Hungary and other European countries that previously didn’t need such an authorisation. Travel experts advise visitors to factor in the application for the ETA when planning trips, treating it as an essential step, much like checking passports. The process should be completed several days before departure to avoid last-minute issues.
Industry representatives have raised concerns about potential disruptions, especially during busy travel seasons. Airlines, rail companies, and ferry operators have been instructed to perform checks at check-in and boarding gates, which means passengers without an ETA may be denied boarding.
However, some tourism officials argue that the relatively low cost of the ETA and its two-year validity should not significantly deter visitors once travellers are familiar with the process. Many international travellers are already accustomed to similar systems like the US ESTA, and the ability to reuse the ETA for multiple trips could encourage frequent visits.
What Hungary’s Inclusion Means for European Travel
Hungary’s inclusion in the UK ETA system signals a broader change in European travel dynamics post-Brexit. Where once EU citizens could travel freely to the UK without much documentation, they are now required to undergo a pre-travel screening process. This new digital and biometric system represents a significant shift in border management across Europe and the UK.
For Hungarian citizens with strong cultural, educational, and economic ties to the UK, this system formalises a relationship that was once informal. Students, business professionals, and families who previously travelled to the UK with ease must now contend with additional paperwork and the potential for refusal if the application is denied.
The move is not unique to the UK but part of a broader global trend of enhanced passenger screening. Many countries, including those in North America and parts of Asia, are adopting similar systems to increase security and streamline border processes.
Conclusion: A New Normal for European Travel
As the UK tightens its border controls with the ETA system, travellers from Hungary and other European nations must adjust to this new requirement. While the system introduces some additional steps and costs, it promises a more secure and efficient border process for legitimate visitors. As similar systems are adopted across the globe, pre-travel authorisations like the ETA are likely to become the standard for international travel, reshaping how citizens from Europe and beyond approach their trips to the UK.
