The Home Office has announced United Kingdom will be implementing ETA (electronic travel authorization ) by the end of 2024, this scheme will be a requirement for all visitors from visa free countries, who do not need a visa for short stays, including those visiting from Europe. ETAs will replace Electronic Visa Waivers (EVWs) currently in use. Visitors from US, EU, Canada will have to apply for ETA to visit UK for short stays. Carriers, such as airlines, will also be notified electronically that the person has permission to travel.
- An ETA will be valid for multiple journeys over a two-year period or until the passport the individual used to apply with expires – whichever is sooner. Automated Authorizations issued within 3 working days.
- An ETA will cost £10 per applicant when the scheme opens, will permit multiple journeys and be valid for two years or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever is sooner.
- UK or Irish citizens, UK residents and UK visa holders will be exempted from ETA.
The ETA application process will open on 1 February 2024 only for nationals of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, United Arab Emirate or Saudi Arabia who intend to travel to the UK on or after 22 February 2024.
An application for an ETA must be refused where the applicant:
- has been convicted of a criminal offence in the UK or overseas for which they have received a custodial sentence of 12 months or more; or
- has been convicted of a criminal offence in the UK or overseas unless more than 12 months have passed since the date of conviction.
- overstayed their permission, false representation, NHS debt or unpaid litigation; or
- breached a condition attached to their permission, unless entry clearance or further permission was subsequently granted with knowledge of the breach; or
- were (or still are) an illegal entrant; or used deception in relation to an immigration application (whether or not successfully).
