In travel news for June 15, 2023 we talk about the United Kingdoms new Electronic Travel Authorization system.
For travelers planning to enjoy the architectural grandeur of London Bridge or the sprawling countryside of the United Kingdom, a new travel protocol is on the horizon. Starting in 2024, the United Kingdom will implement an Electronic Travel Authorization system, introducing a nominal entry fee for visitors.
The Electronic Travel Authorization system, costing £10 (roughly $12.50), is set to be a new entry prerequisite for individuals who previously did not require a visa to enter the UK. The authorization will grant the traveler permission to enter the country and will be electronically tethered to their passport.
The new requirement will affect several categories of visitors. If you're intending to soak in the rich heritage and culture of the UK for up to six months, whether it be for tourism, visiting loved ones, conducting business, or immersing yourself in studies, you will require an Electronic Travel Authorization. The same holds true for individuals entering the UK under the Creative Worker visa concession for up to three months, and even those simply transiting through the country – irrespective of whether they cross the UK border patrol or not.
However, the new entry fee isn't all-encompassing. If you're a holder of a British or Irish passport, or if you have permission to live, work, or study in the United Kingdom, you are exempt from the Electronic Travel Authorization requirement. Also, individuals residing legally in Ireland who don't need a visa to visit the UK will not require an Electronic Travel Authorization when entering the UK from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man.
Starting in 2024 travelers will be able to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization through the UK ETA app or the GOV.UK website. For those not technologically inclined or those applying for a group, others can submit applications on their behalf. However, bear in mind that each traveler, irrespective of age, must possess their own Electronic Travel Authorization, implying the fee will be levied for every member of the travel party, including children and infants.
One crucial point to consider in your travel planning is the Electronic Travel Authorization processing time. While the UK government asserts that a decision is typically made within three working days, specific circumstances might lead to additional checks, extending this time frame. Therefore, it's recommended to factor in potential processing time when arranging your travel itinerary.
As the United Kingdom prepares to implement this new travel measure, travelers worldwide must adjust their plans accordingly. The introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorization and the associated fee marks a shift in UK's travel protocols, reshaping the way visitors step onto the British Isles.
