The U.K. Introduces Electronic Travel Authorisation

The United Kingdom has detailed the cost and rollout timeline of its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) visa waiver, which has been in development for several months.

1. ETA Cost and Timeline

The fee, which will be rolled out this fall, will cost travelers £10 ($12.59) per applicant. When it is fully implemented, all foreign visitors without a visa (including those from the United States) will be required to apply for the ETA online in advance of their trip.

The ETA rollout will be staggered, starting with citizens from Qatar in November. Following this, in February, travelers from Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates will need to apply and pay the associated fee.

2. Application Process

Travelers from other nations, including the U.S., will be required to apply for the ETA by the end of 2024. This decision to implement an online ETA is part of the U.K.’s effort to fully digitize its borders by 2025.

To apply, travelers will need to use a forthcoming U.K. ETA app or apply online at gov.uk. Each traveler must possess their own ETA, including children of any age. Typically, applicants can expect a response within at least three business days.

The ETA will then be electronically linked to a traveler’s passport, offering a seamless experience upon arrival in the U.K.

3. Comparison with Other Travel Authorizations

This rollout of the ETA comes as the European Union plans for a new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (or ETIAS) next year. That authorization will include a €7 fee and apply to foreign visitors aged 18 to 70 years.

Furthermore, in the U.S., visitors must also apply for a similar authorization prior to entering the country. The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (or ESTA) is available to travelers through the Visa Waiver Program and costs $21 to apply.