The countdown has begun for travellers to the UK. From November 27, nationals of many countries will have to comply with a new formality: obtaining an electronic travel authorization.or ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation). This measure, part of the UK's drive to digitalize its borders by 2025, will change the habits of millions of tourists and business travelers.
A phased deployment
The British government has opted for a gradual roll-out of the scheme. Nationals of the Gulf Cooperation Council and Jordan have already been subject to this obligation since February 2024.. The next stage will concern eligible non-European travellers, who will be able to submit their application from November 27, 2024, for an effective date of January 8, 2025.
Europeans, on the other hand, are granted an extension. They will be able to apply from March 5, 2025, with ETA becoming compulsory for them from April 2, 2025.. This phased approach is designed to ease the transition and allow the UK authorities to adjust the system if necessary.
All travelers, including babies and children, will need an ETA. It will be required for all entries, including simple transit through the UK.
British Government
Who's concerned?
The list of countries whose nationals must obtain an ETA on January 8, in addition to the nationalities already eligible: Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Macau, Marshall Islands, Malaysia, Maldives, Solomon Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Nauru, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Seychelles, Singapore, Taiwan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Uruguay, USA
On the European side, all theEuropean Union as well as Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. Irish and British citizens are exempt from this requirement.
| A visa that isn't a visa Beware of confusion The ETA is not a visa per se. Rather, it's an advance travel authorization, similar to the American ESTA. Specifically, travelers must fill in an online form, provide a few personal details and pay a modest fee of £10 (12 €). Once obtained, the authorization will be valid for multiple entries into the UK for 2 years, or until the holder's passport expires. |
A simplified process, but not without constraints
THE Home Officethe UK's equivalent of the Home Office, promises a quick and simple procedure. Most travelers will be able to submit their application via a mobile applicationA reply is expected within 72 hours. However, to avoid any last-minute inconveniences, we strongly advise you to plan ahead.
Information required includes a valid biometric passport, travel details, an e-mail address and a credit or debit card for payment. Applicants will also have to answer a series of questions about their eligibility.
This new measure is not without consequences for the British tourist industry. With the country expecting to generate over £32 billion in tourism revenue this year, some fear that ETA will dampen the spirits of potential visitors. However, the government claims that the system will streamline border controls and improve the overall travel experience.
The UK is not breaking any new ground with this system. In fact, it is aligning itself with practices already in place in many countries, such as the United States. United States with ESTA Or Australia with its eVisitor. This harmonization is designed to enhance safety while facilitating travel for bona fide travellers.
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