September 22, 2024
2 mins read

UK makes electronic travel authorization mandatory

By April 2025, all visitors who do not need a visa will need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to travel to the UK…reports Asian Lite News

The United Kingdom is fast transitioning to a digital immigration system for immigrants coming to the UK. People who need a UK visa to live, work or study in the UK are now issued with an eVisa, providing digital proof of immigration status.

eVisas offers an alternative to hard copy immigration documents, reducing the risk of theft, loss, or alteration, allowing individuals to expedite their travels. Everyone wishing to travel to the UK – except British and Irish citizens – will need permission in advance before travelling to UK. This can be either through an ETA or an eVisa.

By April 2025, all visitors who do not need a visa will need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to travel to the UK. Nationalities of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates can apply for an ETA now. From 27 November 2024, eligible non-Europeans can apply for an ETA and will need an ETA to travel from 8 January 2025.

ETAs will then extend to eligible Europeans from 5 March 2025, who will need an ETA to travel from 2 April 2025. ETAs are digitally linked to a traveller’s passport and ensure more robust security checks are carried out before people begin their journey to the UK, helping to prevent abuse of the immigration system. An ETA costs £10 and permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to 6 months at a time over 2 years or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever is sooner. 

An ETA allows you to travel to the UK. Whether you can apply depends on the date you travel and your nationality as shown on your passport. The UK government is taking major steps towards delivering its ambitious aim to digitise the UK border and immigration system and has today set out new implementation dates for the electronic travel authorisation (ETA) scheme.

Gulf Cooperation Council visitors already need an ETA to travel to the UK. The introduction of ETAs is in line with the approach many other countries have taken to border security, including the US and Australia. The government is asking migrants in the UK who currently use a physical immigration document, including a biometric residence permit (BRP), or a passport containing ink stamps or visa vignette stickers, to take action now and create an online account to access their eVisa.

Most BRPs are due to expire on 31 December 2024, and BRP holders are urged to take action before their BRP expires.

ALSO READ: No 10 fears ICC will ask UK to sign Netanyahu’s arrest warrant

Previous Story

No 10 fears ICC will ask UK to sign Netanyahu’s arrest warrant

Next Story

‘Al Fayed carried Viagra, women from shop floor’

Latest from -Top News

Fragile Peace Returns to Gaza

Carrying bags, blankets, and a few salvaged belongings, families walked through the dusty highway under the afternoon sun. Many pushed carts or led donkeys loaded with what was left of their possessions.

Egypt to Host Gaza Peace Talks

Cairo summit aims to end war and open a new chapter for regional stability. The summit will gather leaders and senior officials from more than 20 countries, including the United Kingdom, France,

Alive With Opportunity

UK-India relationship ‘Alive with Opportunity’ as HMS Richmond hosts business showcase. The event was attended by more than 400 leading figures representing government, businesses, investors, and cultural icons, celebrating the strengthening partnership

Remembrance Day At City Hall

City Hall to host annual Remembrance Day Service on November 10 ahead of national commemorations The Greater London Authority (GLA), the London Assembly, and the City Hall Branch of the Royal British

Passport Gets King’s Touch

The introduction of His Majesty’s Arms, iconic landscapes, and enhanced security features marks a new era in the history of the British passport….reports Asian Lite News The first British passports bearing His
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Pakistan may target dissidents in UK

Muhammad Gohir Khan, 31, from Forest Gate, east London, appeared

Litmus Test for Labour as UK Goes To Poll

About 48 million people in England, Scotland and Wales will