UK
- 102 views
The United Kingdom has launched a new visa-waiver entry system that expands the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) program.
This initiative now encompasses visitors from a range of countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia, marking a transformative change in access to the UK for millions of tourists. The UK ETA functions similarly to the United States ESTA program, requiring visitors who do not need a visa to obtain pre-travel authorization. This new measure is designed to enhance border security while streamlining entry procedures for eligible travellers.
The ETA costs £10 (approximately $12.50) and is valid for a period of two years, allowing travellers to stay in the UK for up to six months during each visit. The application process is user-friendly, and accessible through a mobile app, with the ETA being digitally linked to the traveller’s passport. Originally introduced in 2023 for travellers from Qatar, the ETA program has steadily expanded, now including citizens from around 48 countries, such as Argentina, Brazil, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and numerous Caribbean nations.
Since November 2024, travellers from these eligible countries have been able to apply, with full operational status commencing in January 2025. Looking ahead, the UK plans to broaden the ETA scheme further. Beginning April 2, 2025, the program will extend to visitors from the European Union and other European territories, with applications slated to open on March 5, 2025. The ETA requirement applies to all travellers, including children and infants, for tourism or transit purposes, which encompasses stopovers for connecting flights.
However, British and Irish citizens, passport holders from British Overseas Territories, legal residents of the UK, and travellers from countries that already require a visa to enter the UK, such as China, Ecuador, and South Africa, are exempt from this requirement. The rollout of the UK ETA has sparked some controversy with Heathrow Airport raising concerns that the new system may deter transit passengers, potentially diminishing the UK’s competitiveness and impacting economic growth.
This initiative aligns with a broader global trend towards visa-waiver systems. The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), set to be launched in mid-2025, will require visa-exempt travellers to secure authorization for entry into 30 European countries, including France and Germany. The ETIAS will cost €7 (approximately $7.40) and be valid for three years, covering about 60 countries in total, further mirroring the approach taken by the UK with its ETA program.
For millions of annual visitors, the introduction of the UK ETA signifies a notable change in the travel landscape by facilitating smoother entry while enhancing security measures.