Beginning this Wednesday, European citizens who want to visit the United Kingdom can already request the travel authorization, which is mandatory from April 2. It costs 12 euros, but the price should rise in the coming weeks.
From April 2, whoever wants travel to the UK will have to have a compulsory prior authorization.
This authorization is and was available this Wednesday.
The process is entirely digital and takes about 10 minutes to complete, but implies a cost of 10 pounds (12 euros), a value that should rise to 16 pounds (19 euros) in the coming weeks.
The British Parliament approved this week legislation to increase the value of electronic travel authorization (Electronic Travel AuthorisationETA), awaiting only the promulgation to do so.
The system is identical to what other countries like the United States (this) and Australia (Australian ETA) already have into practice; and that the European Union intends to implement this year for tourists and visitors with short stays.
A security issue
The British government understands that ETA will make the digital immigration system more simple, fast and safe, allowing people to identify before they enter the country.
“The expansion of ETA worldwide reinforces our commitment to improve safety through technology and innovation,” said Secretary of State for migration and citizenship, Sema Malhotra.
Thus, before entering the UK, travelers must submit an order over the internet or by applying a mobile phone, providing personal and biometric data and answering several questions, including any criminal registration.
Authorization valid for two years
British authorities guarantee a decision within three daysAlthough most are faster and can only take a few seconds or minutes.
ETA, which is associated with passport, is valid for two yearsbut it has to be renewed if the passport, however, expires.
Authorization allows an unlimited number of stays Over two years in the UK for a consecutive maximum period of six months and is different from a visa, necessary to study, work and even marry in the country.
Also applies to scales
ETA is required even if travelers are only passing through the country, for example, on a travel scale to another destination.
However, after complaints from airlines and airports, a temporary exemption was created for passengers who do so without leaving the airport and therefore do not go through border control, as in Heathrow or Manchester.
ETA does not apply to holders of residence authorizationlike those registered in the European Union Citizens Registration System [EU Settlement Scheme, EUSS] open after Brexit, workers with visa or studentsnor to Irish, who share a common zone of travel with the UK.
The United Kingdom began to issue ETA in 2023 for Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi and United Arab Arabian citizens.
According to the Ministry of Interior, from the introduction of the regime in October 2023 until December 2024, about 1.1 million ETA have already been issued.
The regime will have a period of adaptation in the coming months, and the authorities may allow entry into the country even without authorization, but Those who try to get around the immigration system can be processed criminally.
Lusophone countries such as Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Sao Tome and Principe or Timor-Leste are not eligible for an ETA and their citizens will have to previously request a visa to enter the UK.
