UK The government announced this week that there will be major changes to non-visa entry requirements for visitors from next year. Then the government is thinking of bringing Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) scheme for them.
What did the government say?
The ministry announced that all visitors who do not require a visa to travel to Britain will require an ETA from April 2, 2025. “Everyone wishing to travel to the UK, apart from British and Irish citizens, must obtain a travel authorization before coming here.
What is ETA?
It is a travel permit that is digitally linked to a traveler's passport and is for people traveling to the UK without a visa or legal residence rights. Enter or transport through It costs £10 (12 euros, $13) and allows multiple trips to the UK at a time for up to six months, up to two years or until the holder's passport expires. Eligibility is based on nationality and eligible travelers can apply using the UK eTA application.
Who needs it?
Previously, most visitors could arrive at British airports with their passports and enter the country without a visa. But this began to change in November last year when the then Conservative government introduced ETA, starting with Qatari nationals.
The scheme was extended earlier this year and currently covers citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Children and infants from these countries also need an ETA.
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