The UK government has announced borders will be fully digitalised by 2025. This digitalisation includes the launch of ETA UK, a new electronic travel authorisation for visa-free foreigners.
Previous UK Home Secretary Priti Patel confirmed the upcoming changes to UK visa policy. She stated that the new ETA system will provide the government with more accurate migration information.
When is the ETA UK launch date?
The UK ETA is being introduced in different phases for travellers of different nationalities.
The first key dates are outlined below:
- 25 October 2023 — UK ETA available to Qatari nationals
- 15 November 2023 — UK ETA mandatory for Qataris
- February 2024 — UK ETA available to citizens of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE
If you are not from one of these countries, you do not need the ETA yet. However, the UK government plans to add more nationalities to the ETA programme in the future.
What is the new ETA system?
The British government has highlighted the similarities between the UK ETA and immigration systems in place in other countries, such as the United States ESTA. The EU will also launch its own digital visa waiver, ETIAS, in 2023.
The ETA system works by screening visitors before they arrive in the UK. Travellers provide basic personal details, passport data, and some security information by completing an online ETA application form.
Applications will be processed automatically, with only complex decisions made by ETA officials.
Most people receive their approved UK ETA quickly. Visitors can apply from home and are not required to visit a UK Embassy.
Reference: https://www.etauk.uk/uk-to-launch-eta-system/