Advertisement
Supported by
As of Jan. 8, an electronic travel authorization will be required for visitors from dozens of visa-exempt countries, including the United States and Canada.
By Christine Chung
Travelers from the United States, Canada, and dozens of other countries who do not want a visa to enter the U. K. will now need to apply for a virtual authorization to enter or transit through the country.
The Electronic Travel Authorization, called ETA and associated with the traveler’s passport, costs 10 pounds (about $13) and lasts for two years. The requirement was introduced a year ago for citizens of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and four other Gulf countries and will be expanded. to more than 40 visa-exempt countries as of January 8. It will eventually apply to all visa-exempt travelers who wish to make a stopover in the country, including those from the European Union.
Travelers connecting through UK airports and to final destinations elsewhere will also need to apply for an ETA; This policy is currently being reviewed.
The ETA formula is part of a project to “provide a more streamlined virtual immigration formula” that guarantees border security, according to a press release from the UK Home Office.
Here’s what you want to know about the ETA and the application process.
The ETA is for short-term visits of less than six months and for visa-exempt travelers only; The full list of applicable nationalities can be obtained online. The ETA does not update existing visa policies, which require citizens of dozens of countries and territories to apply for and obtain a visa to enter the United Kingdom.
British and Irish citizens, visa holders and other people who are allowed to live, work or study in the UK do not want to apply for the ETA.
We are having trouble retrieving the article content.
Allow JavaScript in your browser settings.
Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times.
Thank you for your patience as we determine access.
Already a subscriber? Sign in.
Do you want all the Times? Subscribe.
Advertisement