Introduction
Starting Wednesday, European visitors to Britain will need to purchase an electronic permit in advance, as the UK government seeks to enhance immigration security. The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme requires all visa-exempt visitors to obtain pre-travel authorization online for a fee of 10 pounds, which will increase to 16 pounds from April 9. Irish citizens are not affected by this requirement.
Context
The ETA program was initially introduced for non-European nationals last year, including travelers from the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Government Statements
"Expanding ETA worldwide cements our commitment to enhance security through technology and innovation," said migration minister Seema Malhotra last month.
Developments
Britain's Home Office stated that applying for an ETA should be straightforward using the UK ETA app, with most applications receiving a decision within minutes. Applicants need to upload a photo and provide biographic details, along with responses to suitability and criminality questions. Once approved, the ETA is digitally linked to the applicant's passport.
ETA Features
- An ETA permits multiple visits to the UK for up to six months over a two-year period.
- Airlines, ferry, and train companies will be responsible for verifying travelers' ETA status before boarding.
Travel Demand
Budget airline easyJet does not anticipate that the new permit requirement will reduce demand for travel from Europe to the UK.
Visitor Statistics
According to official data, the United Kingdom welcomed 22.5 million visitors from the European Union in 2023, an increase from 19 million in 2022.
Conclusion
The EU plans to implement its post-Brexit border security checks for UK nationals entering the bloc in October, following Britain's exit from the EU in 2020.
EES Implementation
The EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) will phase out the manual stamping of passports at external borders and create digital records linking travel documents to individuals using biometrics. This will pave the way for an enhanced system, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which will also require non-Schengen area citizens to pay a fee prior to travel.
Comparative Costs
Currently, Britons pay about 17 pounds for a similar permit to enter the United States.