The United Kingdom has extended its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system to visitors from the United States, Canada, and Australia, among other countries, as part of efforts to enhance border security.
The expansion, which became effective on Wednesday, enables eligible travellers to enter the UK with pre-travel authorisation at a cost of £10. The ETA permits stays of up to six months over a two-year period. Initially introduced in 2023 with Qatar, the scheme later included five Gulf countries and now covers approximately 50 nations, including Argentina, Japan, Brazil, New Zealand, and several Caribbean territories.
Travellers required to use the system can apply via an app. For European Union countries and other regions, the application process will begin on March 5, ahead of full implementation in April.
The system also applies to transiting visitors, including children and infants. However, British and Irish citizens, residents, and passport holders from British overseas territories are exempt. Requirements for visa-restricted countries, such as China and South Africa, remain unchanged.
Despite the UK government’s intent to strengthen border controls, Heathrow Airport has criticized the scheme, claiming it discourages transit passengers, thereby reducing competitiveness and economic growth.
This development aligns with Europe’s forthcoming ETIAS system, which will charge €7 for a three-year visa exemption for travel to 30 countries, including the UK.
With approximately six million visitors from the US, Canada, and Australia annually, the UK government sees the ETA system as a significant step toward bolstering border security and simplifying travel processes.
