When the Electronic Travel Authorisation visa waiver takes effect later this year, visitors to the United Kingdom will be required to apply in advance and pay to enter the country.
According to the government’s ETA website, the UK’s ETA system, which will be completely implemented by the end of 2023, will require all non-visa international visitors (including those from the United States) to apply online in advance of their arrival.
The ETA is being implemented as part of the UK’s goal to fully automate its borders by 2025.
“Our number one priority is the security of the UK border, and by implementing ETAs, we can verify that everyone seeking to come to the UK has authorization to do so in advance of travel and deny those who represent a concern,” said Priti Patel, the UK’s Home Secretary.
Travelers must supply personal information, passport information, and security information in order to apply. Applications will then be immediately processed, and passengers should expect a response between 48 to 72 hours.
The application’s fee was not immediately obvious, but it was anticipated to be published at a later date.
The ETA will initially be implemented in numerous Gulf nations, including the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and others.
The ETA is being rolled out as Europe prepares to launch its new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (or ETIAS) in November. This permit will cost €7 and will be valid for international travelers aged 18 to 70.
Visitors to the United States must also apply for a comparable permit before arriving: the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (or ESTA), which is accessible to tourists from Visa Waiver Program nations. According to US Customs and Border Protection, the ESTA price climbed from $14 to $21 last year.