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Starting Jan. 8, an electronic authorization will be required for visitors from dozens of visa-exempt countries, plus the United States and Canada.
By Christine Chung
Travelers from the United States, Canada and dozens of other countries who do not require visas to enter the United Kingdom will now need to apply for digital authorization in order to visit or transit through the country.
The electronic travel authorization, called ETA and linked to a traveler’s passport, costs 10 pounds, or around $13, and lasts two years. The requirement was introduced about a year ago for nationals of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and four other Gulf nations and will extend to more than 40 visa-exempt countries starting Jan. 8. It will eventually apply to all visa-exempt travelers wishing to visit the United Kingdom, including those from the European Union.
Travelers connecting thru UK airports and with ultimate destinations elsewhere will also want to apply for an ETA, this policy is lately under review.
The ETA formula is part of a project to “deliver a more streamlined virtual immigration formula” that guarantees border security, according to a press release from the UK Home Office.
Here’s what you want to know about the ETA and the application process.
The ETA is for short-term visits of less than six months and only for visa-exempt travelers; The full list of applicable nationalities can be obtained online. The ETA does not update existing visa policies, which require citizens of dozens of countries and territories to apply for and obtain a visa to enter the UK.
British and Irish citizens, visa holders and other people who are allowed to live, work or study in the UK do not want to apply for the ETA.
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