New UK Travel Requirements for 48 Countries
Starting January 8, 2024, travelers from 48 countries will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) visa before entering the UK. This new requirement applies to individuals who previously did not need a visa for short visits to the UK for tourism, business, study, or permitted paid engagements.
The ETA costs £10 and can be applied for through the official app or online. Processing time is approximately 10 minutes for the app and longer for online applications. EU citizens will also need an ETA from April 2, 2025.
Individuals with permission to live, work, or study in the UK (including settled or pre-settled status or right of abode)
British or Irish citizens
Individuals traveling with a British overseas territories citizen passport
Residents of Ireland traveling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man
Approval for an ETA does not guarantee entry into the UK. Visitors must still go through passport control and can be denied entry by Border Force. Applicants must upload a photo of their passport and themselves and answer questions about their reasons for traveling to the UK. The application process takes around 20 minutes and must be completed in one go. Decisions are usually made within three days but can take longer. Applicants are allowed to travel to the UK while the decision is pending.
11 Comments
Murena
What about people who don't have access to technology or who don't speak English? This is discriminatory!
Evgen II
This is going to discourage tourism and hurt businesses. Who wants to go through all this hassle just to visit a country?
Murena
It will make it easier for the government to identify and deport people who overstay their visas.
Evgen II
I think this is a good idea. It will help to keep track of who is entering the UK and for what purpose.
Murena
This new requirement is going to be a nightmare for families and people who travel frequently.
Noir Black
This will help to ensure that only people who are eligible to enter the UK are doing so.
BuggaBoom
I'm worried about the security of my personal information. What happens if the government loses my data?
Eugene Alta
This is just a way to keep people out of the UK. It's discriminatory and xenophobic.
KittyKat
This is ridiculous! I shouldn't have to apply for a visa just to visit the UK for a few days.
Katchuka
This is a sensible measure that will help to keep the UK safe.
Loubianka
This will make it easier for the government to collect data on tourism and immigration.