The United Kingdom has unveiled an extensive expansion of its Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) program, encompassing citizens from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations and Jordan. This groundbreaking initiative, scheduled to commence on February 22, 2024, marks a significant milestone in facilitating the travel experiences of individuals from Jordan, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.

What is the UK's Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) scheme?

• Before travelling to the UK, visitors and those passing through do not currently need a visa to enter the country for tourism or business and must get an ETA.
• Once it is fully implemented, the new ETA travel requirement will apply to visitors to the UK from all around the world, including the EU, US, Canada, and Australia.
• An ETA gives permission to travel to the UK but not to enter the UK – it is not a visa or permission to live or work in the UK.
• This refers to a digital travel permission system comparable to the US's ESTA program for international visitors.

Primary documents required to apply for UK ETA-

• A valid passport from a visa-exempt country.
• A valid email address
• A payment can be made using a credit card, debit card, or through digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay

You’ll need to upload or take photos of the:

• passport
• the face of the person applying

What is the Cost of a UK ETA Application Form?

• The new ETA policy introduces a reduced fee of £10, significantly lower than the previous £30 for Gulf nationals and £115 for Jordanians.
• Gulf country visitors are crucial to the UK economy, contributing £2 million in 2022.

Who is eligible for the UK ETA?

The Eligibility for the UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) includes:

• Visa-Exempt Travellers: Individuals from nations that do not require a visa for brief visits to the UK.
• No Prior UK Immigration Status: Applicants must not have any existing UK immigration status before applying for an ETA.
• Purpose of Visit: Intended for those travelling for tourism, certain business activities, or short stays.

Why did the UK Government waive its Visa Program?

• The UK's ETA program represents a step towards modernising and digitalising border and immigration processes, aiming to improve the visitor experience while enhancing national security through pre-travel checks.
• UK Home Secretary James Cleverly highlights the importance of fostering solid international relationships and positions the ETA as key to positioning the UK as a leader in border innovation and security, particularly benefiting travellers from the Gulf and Jordan, a significant tourism market for the UK.
• VisitBritain CEO Patricia Yates supports the ETA expansion, noting its benefits in making UK travel more affordable and convenient for Gulf and Jordan nationals. She emphasises how this, combined with the UK's strong airline network, boosts the UK's appeal as a tourist destination and warmly welcomes international visitors.

How to apply for UK ETA?

• The ETA application process is easy to use and quick; most applicants will hear back within three working days, but many will hear back sooner.
• If you do not have access to a smartphone, you can apply for an ETA by searching for "Apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization to come to the UK" on GOV.UK.

To apply for an ETA, you must:

• pay a fee;
• provide contact and passport details;
• provide a valid photo that complies with the official website's guidelines;
• Answer a series of questions and travel with the same passport that you used to apply for.

What are the Benefits of UK ETA?

• The ETA system replaces the older EVW program, aiming to include all visa-exempt foreign nationals by the end of the year.
• Qataris were the first to access the ETA from October 25, 2023.
• Soon, nationals from six additional countries will enjoy unlimited UK visits for over two years or until their passport expires, whichever is sooner.

FAQs

How many visitors will be affected by this?

The ETA program will mainly cover visitors exempt from obtaining a visa for brief visits and who have no prior UK immigration status before their travel to the UK.

How much does the UK ETA cost?

The UK ETA costs £10 per application. This fee represents a significant reduction compared to previous charges, offering a more cost-effective solution for citizens from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Jordan travelling to the United Kingdom.

How does the UK border security benefit from an ETA?

In addition to answering a brief series of suitability questions, applicants for an ETA must submit their biographical, biometric, and contact details.

ETA will help us better understand the people trying to enter the UK and stop the entry of people who could pose a threat.

What is the processing time for obtaining a UK Electronic Travel Authorization?

The processing time for a UK ETA is typically within three working days, often completed within hours.

Can I travel to other countries with a UK ETA?

1. The UK ETA is specifically designed for entry into the United Kingdom.
2. This does not authorise travel to additional countries.
3. If you plan to visit other nations, you should check their entry requirements and visa policies to ensure compliance with their regulations.

What are the benefits of using the UK ETA mobile app?

An easy and quick way to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization is using the UK ETA smartphone app. This app provides benefits like simplicity, accessibility, speed, cost-effectiveness and digital experience.