Travelling Between Belfast & Glasgow? Here’s What EU & International Visitors Need to Know Before Entering the UK

At HANNON Coach, our Coach & Sail Express Service between Belfast and Glasgow runs twice daily in both directions and is a firm favourite with locals from Northern Ireland and Scotland — perfect for city breaks, shopping trips, and visiting friends or family.

But it’s not just locals who love the service. We’ve welcomed travellers from 87 countries outside the UK and Ireland, including the USA, Canada, Germany, Australia, and India.

Whether you’re visiting from abroad or exploring more of the UK, it’s important to know about a new travel requirement for EU visitors from 2nd April 2025.

ETA Now Required to Enter the UK – Including Northern Ireland

From 2nd April 2025, nationals from EU countries (except Ireland) must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling to the UK, including to Northern Ireland or Scotland.

This is a new rule for EU citizens.
Travellers from non-EU countries such as the USA, Canada, Australia and others have already needed an ETA since 2024 — this update now brings EU nationals into the scheme.

➡️ If you’re travelling into the UK – whether by plane, ferry, train, or across the border from Ireland into Northern Ireland – you must have your ETA approved before you arrive.

Do I Need an ETA to Travel with HANNON Coach?

Yes — if you’re travelling from outside the UK or Ireland, you will need an ETA before arriving in either Northern Ireland or Scotland to use our service.

That includes if you’re:

  • Flying into Belfast or Glasgow
  • Taking a ferry from France or the Netherlands
  • Travelling by land from Ireland into Northern Ireland

Once you’re inside the UK with your ETA, you can travel freely on our internal UK coach service between Belfast and Glasgow. There are no additional requirements beyond the ETA itself.

Who Doesn’t Need an ETA?

You do not need an ETA if you are:

  • A British or Irish citizen
  • A legal resident of Ireland (from a country that normally doesn’t need a visa to enter the UK) and are travelling within the Common Travel Area (CTA)
  • Someone with a valid UK visa
  • Already permitted to live, work, or study in the UK

How to Apply for an ETA

The process is simple and fully digital:

  • Use the UK ETA app (App Store / Google Play) or apply via GOV.UK
  • Each traveller needs their own ETA — including children and infants
  • You’ll need:
    • A valid passport
    • A photo of your face
    • An email address
    • A payment method (card, Apple Pay or Google Pay)

Most applications are approved within minutes, but allow up to 3 working days in case of checks.

Cost & Validity

  • The ETA currently costs £10 per person
  • From 9th April 2025, this will rise to £16
  • Each ETA is valid for 2 years, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first
  • You can use it for multiple trips within that period

Summary – Plan Ahead for a Smooth Journey

Whether you’re visiting from Europe or further afield, travelling with HANNON Coach is a relaxed and scenic way to explore the UK.

To use our Belfast–Glasgow Express, just make sure you’ve got your ETA approved before you arrive in the UK, and you’re good to go.

We’ve included helpful info below, and for full guidance, always check GOV.UK.