From mid-November, the United Kingdom will set up an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization). Like the American ESTA, it is not a visa but a document that must be obtained before entering the British territory, and whose purpose is to strengthen border security. Intended for nationalities that do not require a visa to enter the UK, this measure will be applied gradually in 2024.
What is it?
The ETA is a travel authorisation to be obtained online prior to travel to the UK, and that will be linked to the applicant’s passport.
The document will be valid for 2 years and can be used throughout this period, unless your passport expires before this period – in this case, a new ETA will have to be requested.
In case of refusal of ETA, a visa allowing entry on British territory must be requested.
For whom?
The ETA must be requested by any traveller who does not require a visa in advance. To check if you need a UK visa before you go there, you can use this website: Check if you need a UK visa – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
The measure is being implemented gradually but by 2024, all nationalities concerned will have to obtain it.
The ETA applies to the following stays :
- Tourism
- Business
- Short-term students
- Holders of a Creative Worker Visa Concession
- Transit through the UK
The following travellers will not be affected:
- British or Irish passport holders
- People with a work/residence permit in the UK
- People who already have a visa for the UK
When?
- Citizens of Qatar
The ETA will be mandatory from 15 November 2023, and the first applications can be made from 25 October 2023.
- Citizens of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia or United Arab Emirates
The ETA will be mandatory from 22 February 2024, and the first applications can be made from 1 February 2024.
By the end of 2024, all nationalities concerned will have to submit the ETA application.
How?
As for the American ESTA, the application will be made online or via an application of which we will provide you with the link.
The request can be made for other people, and must be filed for each traveler (children included).
Your biometrics will be taken and you will be asked general/security questions. Once the £10 payment has been made, the decision will be emailed to you within 3 days of the request.
An email will be sent to you, and the ETA being linked to passport number, it is this same passport that you will have to use to travel.
Remember: the ETA is not a visa ! If you need a visa for the UK or have any question, reach out to Oui Immigration! oui@oui-immigration.com
