Travel operators have warned visitors to the UK to get ready for the introduction of the electronic visa system when it comes into force for EU citizens next April.

Cross-channel visitors will need to have an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) when they cross the UK border after April 2. The document costs £10 (€11.80) and is valid for two years.

Marnix Fruitema, chair of the Dutch airlines association Barin, said the system would lead to “hassle, irritation and extra costs for travellers”.

“We are going back 40 years with this new visa,” he told the Telegraaf. “It’s a scandal that the British government sees travellers as a cash cow.”

KLM, which flies to 17 destinations in the UK, said it was making arrangements to check ETA documents at check-in to minimise delays and make sure passengers did not get stuck at the border on landing.

“Some will miss it”

“We will inform passengers more about the new rules as we get closer to the introduction date,” a spokesman said.

DFDS Seaways, which operates the ferry between IJmuiden and Newcastle, said it expected some passengers to turn up at the port without the necessary documents.

“We will give people as much relevant information as possible, but there will always be people who miss it, certainly at the start,” said a spokesman.

DFDS said it hoped that that the quick, user-friendly process would enable travellers to rescue their holiday by applying for a last-minute ETA at the port.

Stena Line, which runs between Harwich and Hoek van Holland, said it was confident it could integrate ETA checks into its check-in procedure to minimise delays.

“We will do everything in our power to ensure everything runs as smoothly as possible,” said a spokesman.

British passport holders and people with residency rights in the UK will not need to apply for an ETA, while other EU citizens will be able to make unlimited trips as long as they do not stay longer than 180 days a year in total.

Applicants will have to upload a copy of their passport and a recent photograph via the UK government’s website or app.