Americans wanting to travel to the U.K. will need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) beginning on Jan. 8th of next year.
Launched in 2023, the ETA was originally designed for travelers from Middle Eastern countries — namely Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan — but has since been expanded to include Americans (starting on Jan. 8th) and Europeans (starting on April 2nd).
“Non-Europeans can begin the application process on Nov. 27, while Europeans can begin the application process from March 5,” Travel Weekly magazine notes.
“ETA is required for anyone planning to visit the U.K., except British and Irish citizens. Travelers will need to apply and be approved for an ETA prior to their trip, and the document will be linked to a traveler’s passport and ‘ensure more robust security checks,'” according to the magazine.
Beginning in 2024, visitors to the UK
Will require more advanced preparation than in the past. The U.K. is currently implementing a new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system.
Or just jump a boat…. pic.twitter.com/EKnFhArBw5— NinnyD ❤️ Waiting~4~the Revolution (@ninnyd101) February 9, 2023
The ETA will reportedly cost 10 British pounds (roughly $13.10) and will allow a visitor to visit the U.K. multiple times “for stays of up to six months at a time over two years or until the holder’s passport expires.”
The purpose of the program is to digitize the U.K.’s border/immigration system and make legitimate entry into the nation quicker.
“The worldwide expansion of the ETA demonstrates our commitment to enhance security through new technology and embedding a modern immigration system,” the U.K.’s minister for Migration and Citizenship, Seema Malhotra, said in a press release.
“[Digitization] enables a smooth experience for the millions of people who pass through the border every year, including the visitors we warmly welcome to the UK who are predicted to contribute over £32 billion to our tourism economy this year,” she added.
According to Euro News, the new ETA system is replacing the U.K.’s former single-use Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) system.
“The ETA scheme has now entirely replaced the EVW scheme, offering a lower cost option with multi-entry validity,” Euro News notes.
To obtain an ETA to travel to the U.K., you’ll first need to fill out an online form either through a browser or a mobile app.
“You’ll need a valid biometric passport from an eligible country, travel details, an email address, and a credit or debit card,” Euro News notes. “You will also have to answer a set of suitability questions.”
People who’ve been ordered deported, who’ve committed certain crimes, who’ve failed to pay money owed to the British government, or who’ve made false representations of themselves won’t be granted an ETA.
A denial of an ETA doesn’t mean someone can’t enter the U.K. However, if their ETA is denied, they will need to apply for and be granted either a Standard Visitor Visa or a Creative Worker Visa.
In separate but related news, starting in the first half of 2025, visitors from 60 visa-exempt nations, including America, will be required to boast a European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) authorization to enter 30 European countries for a brief stay.
The ETIAS will be linked to the person’s passport and valid for up to three years or until the passport expires.
“With an ETIAS travel authorization, which will cost 7 euros (about $7.75), a person can enter these 30 European countries as often as they want for short-term stays (normally for up to 90 days in any 180-day period),” according to Travel Weekly.
“It does not, however, guarantee entry. According to the EU travel website, ‘most applications are processed within minutes,’ but it may take longer to process if additional information is needed, so apply ‘well in advance of your planned journey,'” the magazine notes.
The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is NOT a visa scheme, but a visa waiver scheme, similar to the United States’ scheme, ESTA, to detect criminal/terrorist movements.
Application will be online and take minutes. Cost €7 and be valid for three years.— John Bell (@PlasFron) November 12, 2022
“When you get your ETIAS travel authorization, please make sure your name, passport number, and other information is correct: if there is any mistake, you will not be allowed to cross the border,” the EU travel website further states.
Writers and editors can be contacted at [email protected] with feedback, tips, or corrections.
V. Saxena is a staff writer with a decade of experience as a professional writer, and a lifetime of experience as an avid news junkie. He holds a degree in computer technology from Purdue University. Saxena also contributes to BizPac Review.
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