Key Takeaways
- The UK has introduced an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement for most foreign visitors, which must be obtained in advance of travel.
- The ETA costs £16 and is valid for repeated stays of up to six months at a time within two years or until the passport expires, whichever is sooner.
- The ETA is linked to the traveller’s passport and can be applied for online.
- Airlines and ferry companies are expected to verify the ETA status before the passenger boards a flight or ship to the UK.
- The ETA does not guarantee entry to the UK, and travellers may still be required to see a Border Force officer or use an ePassport gate.
Introduction to the ETA Requirement
The UK has introduced a new requirement for most foreign visitors to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) in advance of travel. This move is aimed at creating a more streamlined and secure immigration system, and preventing abuse of the system. The ETA is similar to schemes used by other countries, such as the US Esta scheme, and requires applicants to supply a photograph and answer a set of questions on suitability and criminality. The ETA is linked to the traveller’s passport and costs £16, which is payable by various methods including credit card and online payment services.
How the ETA Works
The ETA is a digital permit that allows travellers to enter the UK for a specific period of time. It is valid for repeated stays of up to six months at a time within two years or until the passport expires, whichever is sooner. The ETA can be applied for online, and applicants will usually receive a decision within three working days. However, in practice, most decisions are made and the permit issued within minutes. Travellers can apply for an ETA at any time before their trip, and they can travel to the UK while waiting for a decision. If an ETA application is declined, the reason will be communicated to the applicant, and they may be able to reapply or apply for a standard visitor visa instead.
Who Needs an ETA
Most foreign visitors to the UK will need to obtain an ETA, with the exception of Irish citizens, holders of eVisas, and people who have permission to live, work, or study in the UK. This includes people with settled or pre-settled status, or right of abode. The ETA requirement applies to travellers from 85 nationalities, including the US, Canada, and France, who do not need a visa to enter the UK. Carriers, such as airlines and ferry companies, are expected to verify the ETA status of their passengers before allowing them to board a flight or ship to the UK.
Consequences of Not Having an ETA
Travellers who do not have an ETA may be prevented from boarding a flight or ship to the UK, or they may be turned back at the border. Carriers who fail to check the ETA status of their passengers may be liable for a fine of up to £2,000. However, there is a loophole in the system, which allows travellers to apply for an ETA at the last minute, or even after they have started their journey to the UK. This could be helpful to passengers who do not realise they need an ETA when they turn up at an airport, seaport, or international rail terminal to travel to the UK.
Comparison with Other Countries
The UK’s ETA requirement is similar to schemes used by other countries, such as the US Esta scheme, Canada’s eTA, and Australia’s eVisitor permit. The cost of the ETA is mid-range, at £16, compared to other countries. For example, the US Esta costs $40, while Canada’s eTA costs C$7. The ETA is also valid for a shorter period than some other countries, at up to two years, compared to five years for Canada’s eTA.
Dual Nationals and Transit Passengers
British citizens who have a passport issued by another country cannot enter the UK on an ETA, and must either use a British passport or have a certificate of right of abode in the UK. Dual nationals who are not British citizens may be able to use an ETA to enter the UK, but they should check the specific requirements for their nationality. Transit passengers who are remaining "airside" and not going through the UK Border do not need an ETA, but anyone going through passport control will need one. Irish citizens are exempt from the ETA requirement, due to the long-standing Common Travel Agreement between the UK and Ireland.
Conclusion
The introduction of the ETA requirement is a significant change to the UK’s immigration system, and travellers should be aware of the new rules before planning their trip. The ETA is a digital permit that allows travellers to enter the UK for a specific period of time, and it is linked to the traveller’s passport. The ETA costs £16 and is valid for repeated stays of up to six months at a time within two years or until the passport expires, whichever is sooner. While the ETA does not guarantee entry to the UK, it is an important step in the immigration process, and travellers should ensure they have obtained an ETA before travelling to the UK.