In a recent announcement, the United Kingdom (UK) unveiled new travel regulations for individuals wishing to enter the country.
Beginning on November 15, 2023, all visitors, including children, except British and Irish nationals, are mandated to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling to or transiting through the UK.
The ETA requirement applies to those who were previously eligible to enter the UK without a visa and are not currently legal residents in the UK.
This includes individuals planning trips for purposes such as tourism, business, visiting family and friends, or stays of less than six months. To comply with the new rule, applicants must submit their ETA applications online prior to making any travel arrangements.
Once approved, the ETA will be valid for multiple journeys over a two-year period or until the expiration of the applicant’s passport. The UK Home Office emphasises that travellers with valid visas may be denied boarding if they do not possess a valid ETA, as this digital authorization is linked to their passport records.
This new travel regulation is part of the UK’s efforts to enhance security and streamline entry procedures for visitors to the country, ensuring a smooth and efficient travel experience for all eligible travelers.
The statement reads: “The UK travel requirements are changing. Except for British and Irish citizens, everyone, including children who enter or transit through the UK, will soon require permission before they travel.
“This means that if you were previously eligible to visit the UK without a visa and not already legally resident in the UK, you will need an electronic travel authorization (ETA), your stay must be shorter than six months and could include tourism or visiting family and friends, transit, business, and short term study.
“You do not need to show a paper copy, but it may be helpful to prove the confirmation email for your own records while an ETA grants you permission to travel to the UK, it does not grant you entry. So, you would still need to go through passport control at the border to enter the UK.
“Make sure you show the same passport you used to apply for your ETA and that your passport is valid for the whole of your stay.”
