Do Germany passport holders need a visa to visit United Kingdom?

German citizens do not need a visa for short UK visits, but since 2 April 2025 they must obtain a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling. It costs £20, is valid for 2 years (multiple entries), and permits stays of up to 6 months per visit. A German ordinary passport holder traveling to the United Kingdom for tourism is visa-exempt but must hold a valid UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). The ETA scheme became available to EU nationals, including Germans, on 5 March 2025 and has been required for travel from 2 April 2025; airline enforcement is fully in place. The ETA is applied for online via the official UK ETA app or GOV.UK, costs £20, and most applicants receive an automatic decision within minutes (the Home Office advises allowing up to 3 working days). Once granted, the ETA is digitally linked to the passport, is valid for 2 years or until the passport expires (whichever comes first), allows multiple journeys, and each stay can be up to 6 months. The ETA is a travel authorisation, not a visa, and does not by itself guarantee entry – a UK Border Force officer makes the final decision. German citizens who also hold British or Irish citizenship should travel on that passport and do not need an ETA. Only the official GOV.UK channel or UK ETA app should be used to avoid overpriced third-party agents.