United Kingdom | Next phase of ETA begins soon

Eligible European nationals will be able to apply for an electronic travel authorization (ETA) beginning March 5 and will require an ETA prior to travel to the U.K. beginning April 2.

Key Points:

• As BAL reported, effective Jan. 8, all eligible non-European travelers are required to obtain an ETA prior to travel to the United Kingdom for tourism, family visits, business meetings, conferences or short-term study for six months or less.
• The ETA National List outlines the expansion of the program. The next phase begins March 5, as the ETA requirement expands to most European countries and will be required beginning April 2.
• Nationalities from the following locations (including associated territories) can soon apply for an ETA: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Vatican City.

Latest Information: BAL reported the recent Home Office announcement of a temporary exemption from obtaining an ETA for certain passengers transiting airside who do not pass through U.K. border control. The exemption is still being kept under review.

Effective Feb. 26, the government added the following points to the ETA site, including outlining that certain individuals exempt from immigration control do not need an ETA, updating the acceptable payment methods and stating that other third-party websites may charge more for an ETA but cannot provide a faster decision.

More information on who does not need an ETA can be found here. Some countries, notably China and India, are not eligible for an ETA and will continue to require a visa. An exception exists for legal residents of Ireland traveling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man. Also, European nationals who have permission to live, work or study, including settled or pre-settled status — European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS), are not required to obtain an ETA. The Home Office is currently automatically converting eligible pre-settled status holders to settled status without the need for them to make a further EUSS application.

Finally, an ETA does not guarantee entry to the U.K. and all visitors must still meet the suitability requirements for entry under visitor rules. Employees and employers should be aware of the upcoming changes and prepare now for travel or transit through the United Kingdom. BAL will continue to monitor developments and will provide more information as it becomes available.

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

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