The Home Office has set out new implementation dates for foreign nationals to need electronic travel authorisation (ETA) passes to enter the UK.
It said that eligible non-Europeans will need the digital passes from 8 January 2025, and eligible Europeans from 2 April. The two groups will be able to apply from 27 November this year and 5 March next year respectively.
Everyone wishing to travel to the UK, with the exception of British and Irish citizens, will need an ETA or an eVisa to enter the country.
They can do so through the EPA app or relevant web page on GOV.UK.
ETAs are digitally linked to a traveller’s passport for security checks before they begin their journey. They cost £10 and can be used for multiple journeys for stays of up to six months at a time over two years or until the holder’s passport expires.
The Home Office said this will help to prevent abuse of the immigration system.
The introduction of ETAs is in line with the approach many other countries have taken to border security, including the US and Australia.
Gulf Cooperation Council visitors already need one to travel to the UK.
Smooth experience
Minister for Migration and Citizenship Seema Malhotra said: “Digitisation enables a smooth experience for the millions of people who pass through the border every year, including the visitors we warmly welcome to the UK who are predicted to contribute over £32 billion to our tourism economy this year.
“The worldwide expansion of the ETA demonstrates our commitment to enhance security through new technology and embedding a modern immigration system.”
People who need a UK visa to live, work or study in the UK are now issued with an eVisa, providing digital proof of immigration status, instead of physical immigration documents.
The Government is asking migrants in the UK who currently use a physical immigration document, including a biometric residence permit (BRP) or a passport containing ink stamps or visa vignette stickers, to create an online account to access their eVisa.
