UK Introduces Mandatory ETA for 48 Visa-Free Countries
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Travellers planning a trip to the United Kingdom from 48 visa-free countries will now need to secure an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before their journey, as the UK government rolls out the next phase of its digital pre-travel screening scheme.
The ETA, first launched in 2024 for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals, is now being extended to a wider set of non-European countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and Japan. This move will impact millions of international visitors planning short-term stays for tourism, business, or study in the UK.
Effective immediately, each traveller regardless of age, from the listed visa-exempt nations must obtain an ETA, which functions as a visa waiver, not a full visa. Travellers from countries that already require a UK visa will continue with the usual visa application process and do not need an ETA.
British citizens and residents are exempt from the requirement, even if they hold a second passport from an affected country. However, EU nationals will need an ETA from 2 April 2025, further expanding the scheme’s reach.
Applicants can submit their request via the official UK government website or the ETA mobile app, with a non-refundable fee of £10. The ETA will be valid for two years, linked digitally to the applicant’s passport, and allow multiple entries into the UK. If a traveller renews their passport during that period, a fresh ETA must be obtained.
The UK Home Office clarified that holding an ETA does not guarantee entry. Border Force officials will continue to make final decisions at the port of entry.
It is important to note that the ETA only permits entry into the United Kingdom, not the European Union. Those intending to visit Europe will need to apply separately for the EU’s ETIAS, expected to go live later in 2025.
Source: NDTV NEWS
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