Travellers warned about major change coming in 2023 and it will affect how you enter the country

The UK government is introducing a new scheme that will require foreign travellers to the UK to pay for travel authorisation before entering the country. The new rules are part of a move to fully digitalise the borders by 2025 by launching the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system.

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The new system will mean that even those with visa-free access to the country will still need to fill in the form and pay a small fee, anticipated to be between £5 and £20.

What is the new ETA system?

The ETA has been compared by the government to the current ESTA system in the US and will work by screening visitors before they arrive in the UK. Travellers will provide basic personal details, passport data, and some security information by completing an online ETA application form, which should only take a few minutes.

The government website explains the ETA is not a visa but it will be necessary for all international travellers, as per My London:

Once the ETA is introduced, all international travellers will need permission to enter or transit the UK. This will include visa-free nationalities, who will need an ETA.

ETAs for visa-free travel will last up to 180 days or six months in the UK or two years for those valid with a visa. As the ETA is not a visa, travellers from the EU and countries including the US and Canada will maintain their visa-free status but will still need an ETA to enter the UK.

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thumbnail — Travellers warned about major change coming in 2023 and it will affect how you enter the country Isaac Struna - Unsplash

Which countries does it affect?

The ETA UK is being introduced at the start of 2023 according to the UK government and will become fully operational by the end of the year. It is for Europeans and all other non-visa-nationals (NVN) who want to visit the country for tourism, business or transit purposes. For those who want to stay long-term or work in the UK, a visa or other entry permit will be required.

The UK Home Secretary Priti Patel has stated that the new ETA system will provide the government with more accurate migration information. In addition, the EU is also launching its own digital visa waiver, ETIAS, this year as countries try to improve border control with new travel policies.

It is expected that nationals of the following countries will be eligible for the ETA from the launch date, as per Etauk.uk:

European Union (EU) countries: