In line with the goal of fully digitizing border systems by 2025, the United Kingdom (UK) will soon require incoming international travelers to obtain a British entry authorization document, called the Electronic Travel Authorization UK (ETA UK).
It should be noted that an ETA UK permit will be mandatory for all foreign visitors wishing to enter or transit the UK, including those who are citizens of visa-exempt countries, including the US.
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In its announcement, the British government confirmed, “The ETA is not a visa. Europeans and travelers from countries including the US and Canada will maintain their visa-free status but will need an ETA to cross the UK border.” In addition, the requirement will apply to all types of visitors, including, “those Those traveling to the UK for tourism, business, short-term education and medical reasons.
The ETA system is designed to improve the UK’s border control measures, and streamline its entry and exit processes, as part of a wider “permission to travel” policy.
Home Secretary Priti Patel has previously stated that the new system will provide authorities with more accurate immigration information. In short, the ETA UK implementation will work by screening passengers before they arrive in the country, which will also help catch potential security threats earlier.
Currently, information on the number of people traveling to the UK and their countries of origin is based on surveys conducted at ports of entry, which do not provide accurate figures.
And while this may seem restrictive on the surface, it seems like the change could benefit travelers as well, at least in terms of ease and comfort. You can apply from home without having to visit the UK Embassy and completing the application form should only take a few minutes.
You will need to provide your valid passport details, some personal information, travel plan details and a debit or credit card as there will probably be a small fee attached.
Thanks to the wonders of technology, applications will be processed automatically, with ETA officials only involved when complex decision-making and reviews are required. Most people will receive their ETA UK approval quickly, within 48 to 72 hours.
The UK government has also noted the similarities between the upcoming ETA UK requirement and the existing US Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and the EU’s planned digital visa waiver scheme for the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), which has been published. Rejected By November 2023, The Points Guy reports.
This effectively established that the UK ETA was, in fact, based on the US ESTA scheme. So, while the details of the approved length of stay have not yet been released, the digital permit will likely be valid for at least two years and multiple trips. As things currently stand, most visa-free visitors are allowed to stay in the UK for up to six months or two years, with a visa.
The British Home Office has not published a specific date for the launch of the online process, and applications have not yet been opened. The UK government said the ETA system would be introduced in early 2023, and become fully operational by the end of the year.
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