New Online Application and Fee for UK Visitors: Essential Information

Travelers to the United Kingdom will soon have to apply in advance and pay to enter the country when the Electronic Travel Authorisation visa waiver goes into effect later this year.

The UK’s ETA system, which will be fully rolled out by the end of 2023, will require all non-visa foreign visitors (including those from the United States) to apply online in advance of traveling, according to the government’s ETA website. This significant change reflects the UK’s commitment to enhance border security.

The rollout of the ETA is part of the UK’s effort to fully digitize its borders by 2025. This comprehensive strategy aims to improve efficiency and safety for all visitors.

“Our number one priority is the security of the UK border and by launching ETAs we can ensure that everyone wishing to travel to the UK has permission to do so in advance of travel and refuse those who pose a threat,” the UK’s Home Secretary Priti Patel said in a statement.

To apply for the ETA, travelers will need to provide personal details, passport information, and security information. Applications will be processed automatically, and travelers should expect a response typically within 48 to 72 hours. Consequently, it is advisable for travelers to plan their applications well ahead of their intended travel dates.

The cost for the application was not immediately clear and is expected to be announced at a later date. As a result, travelers should stay updated on any new information regarding fees.

The ETA will first be rolled out to several Gulf countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and more. This targeted approach aims to streamline the application process for visitors from these regions.

Moreover, the rollout of the ETA comes as Europe plans to implement its new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (or ETIAS) in November. This European authorization will include a €7 fee and will apply to foreign visitors aged 18 to 70 years. Consequently, travelers to Europe will need to be aware of these changes as well.

In the U.S., visitors must also apply for a similar authorization before arriving: the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (or ESTA), which is available to travelers from countries granted a Visa Waiver Program. Last year, the fee for ESTA increased from $14 to $21, according to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Therefore, being informed about these authorization requirements is crucial for smooth international travel.