UK to Begin Phased Introduction of ETA Requirement for Visa-Free Visitors from November

Beginning on November 27, 2024, the UK will progressively roll out the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for travelers without a visa. In light of enhanced border security measures, both European and non-European visitors must apply for an ETA before entering the UK.

Prepare yourself, visitors to the UK, for a quicker and safer border crossing! The goal of the UK government’s progressive implementation of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system is to completely digitize the border and immigration processes.

ETA Requirement for UK Visitors

Except for British and Irish nationals, most visitors will require an ETA to enter the UK as of November 27, 2024. This digital travel permit is valid for numerous visits over two years and is linked to your passport. The UK ETA app makes the application process simple and quick, and it only costs £10.

• Validity: Permits up to six months’ worth of consecutive visits to the UK.
• Validity period: Two years, or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.

Key Dates for ETA Implementation

The following is a summary of when the ETA will be needed:

• Non-European nationals who meet the requirements can start applying for an ETA on November 27, 2024.
• Non-Europeans will need an ETA starting on January 8, 2025, to travel to the UK.
• European Union nationals may apply for an ETA starting on March 5, 2025.
• European Union citizens will require an ETA to enter the UK as of April 2, 2025.

How to Apply for an ETA

Travelers who qualify can now access comprehensive information on the ETA on the official website of the United Kingdom government. The new UK ETA app will facilitate a quick and easy application process. Note that GCC nationals will already be required to have an ETA to enter the UK, thus, this will not be a new requirement for them.

Use the UK ETA app to apply; it provides a simple and fast application process.

Benefits of the ETA System

The ETA system brings the United Kingdom into line with other nations that have similarly established digital travel authorizations, like the United States and Australia. This setup will

• Enforce pre-screening of all visitors to enhance border security.
• Improve the travel experience for millions of visitors, who are expected to support the UK’s tourism industry with over £32 billion by 2024.

Transition to eVisas for UK Residents

• The UK has switched from paper immigration paperwork to electronic visas for anyone who lives, works, or studies there in addition to the ETA rollout.
• No longer hard copies of papers Passport stamps and biometric residency permits (BRPs) should be replaced.
• Digital access: It is now possible for immigrants to check their status online.

Crucial Steps for BRP Holders

Those who need a visa to work, study, or reside in the UK are now issued an eVisa rather than hard copies of passports with an ink stamp or Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs). The majority of BRPs will run out on December 31, 2024. Before their document expires, holders of current BRPs should establish an online account and convert it to an eVisa. This change offers a more effective and safe method of managing immigration status.

Collaboration with International Carriers

To guarantee a seamless transfer to the digitalized system, the UK government is actively collaborating with rail, aviation, and maritime operators. Support is also offered to vulnerable persons who require help converting to digital immigration paperwork.

Final Thoughts

A major step in digitizing the immigration process has been taken by the UK with the introduction of the ETA scheme and the switch to eVisas. Millions of UK citizens and tourists will benefit from these improvements in terms of increased security, easier travel, and overall better experience.