The United Kingdom is expanding its electric travel authorization (ETA) program, which was previously limited to some Middle Eastern and Western countries and other parts of the world.
The UK government declared on Tuesday that it would expand the ETA requirement from a few Southwest Asian countries to 49 countries globally. South Korea, the United States, Canada, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand are among the recently added nations that need an ETA for entry into the UK.
Only seven countries needed an ETA: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan. However, this newly implemented measure now applies to 55 countries and regions.
Citizens from the newly listed countries can apply for an ETA starting November 27. With the ETA, they can travel to the UK starting January 8 of the following year. On March 5, 2025, residents of the 34 regions—including Vatican City and member states of the European Union (EU) like Germany and France—will also need to apply for an ETA. EU nationals may travel to the UK using the ETA starting April 2.
The application fee for the ETA is set at £10 ($12.50), which applies equally to everyone, regardless of age. Typically, applicants will receive approval within three days, and once issued, the ETA is valid for two years. This provides travelers with a sufficient validity period for multiple visits.
The UK government made this decision to improve security and safety. The ETA system aims to mitigate potential risks and verify travelers’ identities ahead of time. In response to the growing threats of illegal immigration and terrorism around the world, this initiative led to the implementation of similar systems in several countries, including the UK.
However, there are concerns that the ETA could undermine the UK’s competitiveness as a travel hub. Heathrow Airport, the largest in the UK, warned that it has seen a drop of 90,000 transfer passengers on routes to and from seven Middle Eastern countries since the pilot program began last year.
Travelers to the UK should familiarize themselves with the ETA application process on their next visit. Those traveling on a tight schedule should apply for the ETA in advance to receive approval on time.
Travel agencies are informed and highly advised to provide information about the ETA process to minimize potential confusion among travelers.
Business travelers and students who regularly travel to the UK will be significantly impacted and should consider obtaining their ETA in advance to prepare for urgent trips and unexpected travel.
The UK government hopes that the ETA system will help verify travelers’ identities in advance and block potential risks, creating a safer travel environment.
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