The United Kingdom (UK) government has unveiled plans to overhaul entry requirements for visitors announcing that non-visa travellers will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) from 2025. This change will affect millions of visitors, as the scheme rolls out in phases, starting with non-European nationals in early 2025.
What is the ETA scheme?
The UK Home Office has introduced the ETA scheme, which operates similarly to the US ESTA system. It will require most travellers to the UK to obtain permission to enter the country before their journey. “Everyone wishing to travel to the UK — except British and Irish citizens — will need permission to travel in advance of coming here,” the Home Office stated. This can be either through an ETA or an eVisa.
The ETA is a digital permit linked to the traveller’s passport, costing £10, and allowing multiple entries into the UK for up to six months at a time over a two-year period. The application process is available through the UK ETA app and is…
