The United Kingdom (UK) has updated its travel guidelines for people wishing to enter the nation.
The UK announced on Monday, September 4 that anyone who wishes to enter the country must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), with the exception of British and Irish citizens. The new regulation is applicable to everyone, including children, starting on November 15, 2023.
According to the new travel regulation, all visa applicants who intend to visit the UK must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) card prior to entering or passing through the nation.
People who were previously qualified to visit the UK without a visa and who are not already legally residing in the UK are those who need the travel permit, according to the UK home office.
Business travelers, tourists, and people visiting family and friends are also included in the list of people with shorter-than-six-month visits for ETA. Applicants must submit an online application before making any travel arrangements to the UK.
Once granted, it will be good for up to two years’ worth of travel or until the applicant’s current passport expires, whichever comes first.
The UK Home Office states that because the ETA is electronically linked to passports, passengers with valid visas might not be permitted to board without one.
“The UK travel requirements are changing,” states a statement from the UK office.
All individuals transiting through or entering the UK, with the exception of British and Irish citizens, will soon need permission before they travel.
This means that if you were previously able to visit the UK without a visa and were not already a resident of the country, you will need an electronic travel authorization (ETA).
Your stay must be no longer than six months and may include travel for pleasure or business, transit, or short-term study.
“While an ETA gives you permission to travel to the UK, it does not give you entry; therefore, you are not required to present a paper copy, but it may be useful to prove the confirmation email for your own records.
Therefore, in order to enter the UK, you would still have to go through passport control.
“Making sure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay and that it matches the one you used to apply for your ETA is important.
