Heading to the United Kingdom this year? You’ll soon need to pay to gain entry.
Permission to enter. Travellers will soon need to provide proof of an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to their carrier before entering the UK.
Britain is set to follow the United States and Canada, requiring visa-exempt travellers to obtain permission before travelling as a phased rollout of the scheme comes into effect from late in the first quarter of 2023.
Only British and Irish citizens will be exempt from the ETA, meaning Australian-based travellers will soon need to fill out an online form and pay a fee to enter the UK.
Those travelling from down under can expect to encounter the ETA when it is rolled out to the rest of the world in around June this year.
What is the UK ETA?
Unlike a visa, the ETA simply grants permission for individuals to board a carrier and travel to the UK.
Before travelling, passengers from approved countries will be required to fill out an online application form, which asks for information about contact details and travel plans.
Security databases then go on to assess each application, issuing travellers with their ETA within 48 to 72 hours.
Britain is yet to confirm, but it is expected that countries on the nation’s existing visa exemption list will be eligible to apply for an ETA (including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United States and countries in the EU).
How to apply for the UK entry permit
Once Britain’s ETA scheme is underway those entering the country will need to complete an ETA application on the government website’s Visas and Immigration page.
How much does a UK entry permit cost?
This is yet to be announced, but entry permits typically don’t amount to much.
For example, Canada’s eTA is $7 CAD (about $7.50 AUD) and Thailand’s recent levy is 300 baht (about $12.65 AUD).
While the Unites States charges a little more for its ESTA ($21 USD or about $29 AUD), it still isn’t too ridiculous.
In saying this, entry permits can certainly add up when travelling with a family.
Summing up – Is this the end of visas?
The ETA only applies to travel lasting up to six months for tourism or business, so you’ll still need to apply for a visa if you’re planning to live or work in the UK.
The UK’s ETA is expected to last between two to three years, so you won’t have to worry if you regularly visit Britain.
What do you think of the UK’s ETA?
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