The UK government has opened applications for its new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, marking a significant change in how visitors enter the country. Olivia Palamountain reports
Starting from January 8, 2025, the UK ETA scheme will affect millions of travellers from visa-exempt countries who previously enjoyed paperwork-free entry.
Visitors from countries including the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and other Commonwealth nations will now need an ETA to enter the UK. European travellers will join the scheme from April 2, 2025, with applications opening from March 5, 2025.
The ETA system, similar to the US ESTA and upcoming EU ETIAS, requires visitors to complete an online application providing personal details, biometric data (a facial photograph), and answer suitability questions. Each application costs £10, though this could rise to £15 in the future.
Once approved, an ETA remains valid for two years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. Every traveller, including children and infants, must have their own authorisation. The UK government promises decisions within three working days for most applications.
The scheme has already been implemented for Gulf States visitors, with early data showing high approval rates. According to The Telegraph, between late 2023 and June 2024, 388,021 ETAs were granted out of 393,253 applications, with only a 1.3 per cent refusal rate.
However, concerns have emerged about the scheme’s potential impact on tourism. Since the UK ETA is required for entry to the UK (including Northern Ireland), travellers from the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland will be required to apply for an ETA, even though they are not passing through UK border controls in some cases. This could be seen as an inconvenience for those who regularly travel between the two regions.
The scheme also raises important questions about data protection. The UK government has stated that passenger data, including information gathered through the ETA system, will be stored for various periods, depending on the type of data. While some data, like passenger name records (PNR), could be kept for up to five years, other data, such as advance passenger information (API), could be retained for longer periods. The exact retention period can vary depending on the type of information and its purpose.
The introduction of the UK’s ETA coincides with similar changes in Europe. The EU plans to launch its own European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) in spring 2025, requiring visitors, including British nationals, to pay €7 for a three-year authorisation.
Who Needs an ETA? The requirement applies to visitors planning:
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- Tourist visits up to six months
- Creative Worker scheme visits up to three months
- Transit through the UK, even without passing through border control
Travellers whose ETA applications are refused will need to apply for a full visa, which starts from £100.
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