United Kingdom | ETA reminder

Effective Jan. 8, all eligible non-European travelers transiting or traveling to the United Kingdom for tourism, family visits, business meetings, conferences or short-term study for six months or less will require an electronic travel authorization (ETA) prior to travel.

Key Points:

• The government is introducing an ETA for millions of visitors who pass through the U.K. border every year, including travelers from Australia, Canada and the United States.
• Eligible non-European nationals are able to apply for an ETA now and will require one to travel to the United Kingdom beginning Jan. 8.
• The ETA National List outlines the expansion of the ETA scheme, which will take place in two phases. Eligible European nationals will be able to apply for an ETA beginning March 5 and can travel with an ETA starting April 2.

Additional Information: The ETA is valid for two years or until passport expiration date, whichever comes first, and the application fee is £10 (about US$13). Officials advised that an ETA may take up to three working days to process. All eligible non-European nationals are required to have a valid ETA when traveling to the U.K., even when traveling by land between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Once granted, ETAs are digitally linked to a traveler’s passport and allow for stays of up to six months at a time. The ETA is not a visa but serves as a digital permission to travel that allows for both short trips and extended stays.

The ETA system is a major change to the U.K.’s travel regulations. This effort is part of a larger government plan to transform the border and immigration system. The government is also introducing a new eVisa to replace biometric residence permits, biometric residence cards, passport endorsements (such as indefinite leave to enter wet-ink stamps) and vignette stickers in passports (such as entry clearance or visa vignettes). The Home Office is focusing on developing a border and immigration system that is more digital and streamlined. Employees and employers should be aware of the upcoming changes and prepare now for travel or transit through the United Kingdom.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

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