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It seems as if this is THE week for us to let you know about countries that have announced they’re changing requirements for foreign visitors to enter their respective nations. It was Japan the other day, and now the UK has announced the expansion of its ETA visa waiver program.

The ETA isn’t new

The United Kingdom introduced its ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) program in 2023. At the time, it was required for inbound travelers from multiple Middle Eastern countries, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

However, they’re now going to expand ETA so that all non-British and Irish citizens will have to fill out an ETA before arrival in the UK.

What will it entail?

Those applying for an ETA will need to provide their biographic, biometric and contact details and answer a short set of security questions. This will increase the government’s knowledge about those seeking to go to the UK and prevent the arrival of those who present a threat.

When will it start

 

Non-Europeans will need an ETA for U.K. travel beginning on Jan. 8, 2025, and they can start beginning that process effective November 27th of this year.

Europeans, on the other hand, will need to have an ETA completed by April 2. They can apply beginning March 5, 2025.

What ETA will do

From the Home Office:

ETAs are digitally linked to the applicant’s passport and ensure more robust security checks are carried out on visitors before they begin their journey to the UK, to help prevent abuse of our immigration system.

Travelers will need to apply and be approved for an ETA before their trip. Once approved, the document will be linked to a traveler’s passport.

An ETA will cost £10 (about $13), and once obtained, the traveler will be able to make multiple trips to the U.K. for stays of up to six months at a time over two years or until the holder’s passport expires, whichever is sooner (this sounds like what Japan will require).

The Home Office added: “The cost of an ETA is competitive and comparable with similar schemes by international partners. As with all our fees, we are keeping the cost of an ETA under review.”

Why is the UK expanding ETA?

The main goal of ETA is to digitize the U.K. border and immigration system.

Will I need an ETA if I’m transiting through the UK?

Yup.

How will I apply for an ETA?

• Information on who can get an ETA and how to apply before coming to the UK is available on the UK’s government site.
• The easiest way to apply for an ETA is through the ‘UK ETA app,’ which can be downloaded from the Google Play or Apple App Store. People can apply on gov.UK if they don’t have access to a smartphone.
• The application process is quick and simple. Applicants usually receive a decision within three working days, but they may receive a quicker decision if they use the UK ETA app.
• To apply for an ETA, applicants need to:
  • Pay a fee
  • Provide contact and passport details
  • Provide a valid photo, complying with our rules for digital images on GOV.UK
  • Answer a set of questions
• People must travel using the same passport they used when they applied for an ETA.

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This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary