Inbound international travelers to the United Kingdom (U.K.) will soon be required to get a British entry permit document known as the Electronic Travel Authorization UK (ETA UK).
It should be highlighted that ETA UK clearance will be required for all foreign travelers wanting to enter or transit the UK, including those from visa-free countries such as the US.
In its announcement, the U.K. government said, “The ETA is not a visa. Europeans and travellers from countries including the US and Canada will maintain their visa-free status but will need an ETA to cross the UK border.” And, the requirement will apply to all types of travelers, including, “those traveling to the UK for tourism, business, short-term education and medical reasons.
The ETA system is intended to strengthen border control procedures and optimize entrance and exit processes in the United Kingdom as part of a broader “permission to travel” policy.
Priti Patel, the Home Secretary, has previously indicated that the new method will give authorities with more accurate migration data. In summary, the ETA UK will work by screening tourists before they reach in the nation, allowing any security threats to be identified early.
Currently, data on the number of persons traveling to the United Kingdom and their countries of origin is based on surveys conducted at ports of entry, which do not provide precise estimates.
Although it could appear restricted at first glance, the adjustment could be beneficial to travelers, at least in terms of ease and convenience. Without having to visit a British embassy, you can submit your application online, and it should only take a few minutes to complete.
You’ll need to provide details of a valid passport, some personal information, details of your vacation itinerary and a bank or credit card, as there is likely to be a small fee.
The applications will be processed automatically thanks to the wonders of technology, and ETA staff will only deal with complex decisions and assessments if absolutely necessary. The majority of travelers will receive their ETA UK authorization within 48 to 72 hours.