The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system mandates that all visitors who aren’t required to obtain a visa must buy a pre-travel permit online for £16 ($21.57).
Launched in 2023 and expanded to European travelers in April of the previous year, the ETA has not been strictly enforced until now.
Beginning February 25, acquiring an ETA will be essential for individuals traveling to the UK.
This means that airlines will deny boarding to passengers who lack an ETA, eVisa, or other acceptable documentation, the interior ministry stated.
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British and Irish citizens, including those with dual citizenship, as well as individuals with the right to reside in the UK, are exempt from obtaining an ETA.
“The ETA scheme is a critical component of our efforts to enhance the UK’s border security, providing a more efficient and modern service for both visitors and the British public,” said migration minister Mike Tapp.
Last October, the European Union (EU) commenced its long-delayed post-Brexit border security procedures for UK nationals entering the bloc, after Britain’s formal exit from the EU in 2020.
The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) eliminates the need for manual passport stamping at the EU’s external borders, generating digital records instead.
However, travelers have reported that the introduction of this new system has led to delays at several airports, and industry leaders have voiced concerns that full implementation around Easter could result in widespread disruptions.
(Edited by : Juviraj Anchil)
