The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme mandates that all visitors who do not require a visa for entry into Britain obtain a pre-travel permit online for a fee of 16 pounds ($21.57).
Initially introduced in 2023 and expanded to European visitors in April of the previous year, enforcement had been lenient.
However, effective February 25, it will be compulsory for all visitors to the UK to acquire an ETA for travel.
This means that airlines will not allow passengers to board without an ETA, eVisa, or other valid documentation, as stated by the interior ministry.
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British and Irish citizens, including dual nationals, as well as those entitled to reside in the UK, are exempt from needing an ETA.
“The ETA scheme is an essential component of our efforts to enhance the UK’s border security, contributing to a more efficient and modern service that benefits both visitors and the British public,” said migration minister Mike Tapp.
In October of last year, the European Union (EU) commenced the rollout of its long-postponed post-Brexit border security measures for UK nationals traveling to the bloc. Britain officially exited the EU in 2020.
The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) eliminates the necessity for manually stamping passports at the EU’s external borders, instead generating digital records.
Nonetheless, travelers have raised concerns that the implementation of this new system has led to delays at certain airports, and industry leaders are worried that full implementation during Easter may result in significant disruptions.
(Edited by : Juviraj Anchil)
