US travelers to the United Kingdom will have one more hoop to jump through beginning next year, as the new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) becomes mandatory.
The UK announced yesterday that all visitors to England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland who are not British or Irish citizens, will need an ETA. The cost will be €10 (about $12.50) and stay valid for two years or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first.
UK officials say they will process the form within 72 hours.
Travelers will need to apply on the UK ETA app, or online on GOV.UK. Travel advisors can apply on behalf of clients, according to the website. But every traveler, including children and babies, must have his or her own ETA (and pay the fee). Approval will be received in less than 72 hours, the authorities said.
Qatari nationals will be required to have the form beginning October 25, 2023. Citizens of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia will need one beginning February 1, 2024. Other travelers will need one by the end of 2024.
“The scheme will give the UK more control of our borders, allowing us to block threats from entering the UK, whilst also providing individuals, and carriers, with more assurance at an earlier point in time about their ability to travel to the UK,” the government said earlier this year.
Travelers to the European Schengen Zone also will be required to obtain authorization through the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) starting in 2024.
Both programs will allow travel for 90 days in any 180-day period.
Europe is not alone in requiring travelers to pre-register their passports. Canada has an Electronic Travel Authorization, which costs $7, but US travelers are exempt from obtaining one. The Dominican Republic also requires an e-ticket, and Bermuda requires a Bermuda Arrival Card (though it has stopped charging the $40 fee instituted during Covid.)
