UK Electronic Travel Authorisation Cost Revealed
As part of the UK government's continued effort to tighten border control, the UK Government will introduce a new system of pre-travel immigration checks for visitors under Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme.
ETA is a digital travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers that will allow individuals to board a plane for travel to the United Kingdom.
The scheme will cost visitors £10 when it comes into effect later this year and will last for two years unless the passport linked to the ETA has expired in less than two years, in which case the traveller will need a new ETA.
The new scheme will be launched for Qatari nationals on 25 October 2023. From 1 February 2024, the scheme will be extended to the following nationals:
- Bahrain,
- Jordan,
- Kuwait,
- Oman,
- United Arab Emirates and
- Saudi Arabia
By the end of 2024, the scheme will be a requirement worldwide for visitors who do not need a visa for short-stay visits.
Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) VS Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
Citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates are currently able to apply for an Electronic Visa Waiver instead of a visitor visa when travelling to the UK.
The Electronic Visa Waivers (EVW) allows nationals to visit the UK once and stay for up to six months for tourism, business, study or medical treatment. It cost £30 per visit.
The Electronic Travel Authorisation is similar to EVW except it will allow you to enter the UK multiple times within a two-year period or before the expiry date of your current passport, whichever is earlier.
How do people apply for an ETA?
All eligible travellers will be required to complete the ETA application form online or via an app before travelling to the UK.
The application process will be quick and most applicants will receive a response within three working days.
To apply for an ETA, travellers will need to:
- Pay a fee
- Provide contact and passport details
- Provide a valid photo, complying with our rules for digital photos on gov.uk
- Answer a set of questions
When an individual’s ETA application is refused, they will need to apply for a visa if they wish to visit the UK.
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