UK to Introduce New £10 ETA Fee for US and European Travellers

Traveling to the UK without a visa is about to become more costly for European visitors. The UK government has announced plans to introduce a £10 (around $13) electronic travel authorization (ETA) fee for visa-exempt travelers, including travelers from the United States and European Union.

This new requirement is part of the UK’s broader immigration changes set to be implemented over the next year.

Expansion of the UK ETA System

The UK’s ETA system, first introduced for Qatari nationals, will soon expand to include travelers from all other visa-exempt countries. This expansion will require European Union citizens and other nationals without a visa or permission to live, work, or study in the UK to apply for an ETA before entering the country.

UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized that the fee will be non-refundable and will apply to all visitors, including babies and children. The new rule aims to tighten border controls and gather more comprehensive data on those entering the UK.

Who Needs an ETA?

Currently, travelers from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates must apply for an ETA before visiting the UK.

Starting in November, this requirement will extend to include most other nationals, including those from the United States. By spring of next year, the ETA requirement will also apply to European nationals. However, Irish citizens will remain exempt from this requirement, as the new rules do not apply to them.

Countries Currently Required to Obtain an ETA:

1. Bahrain
2. Kuwait
3. Oman
4. Qatar
5. Saudi Arabia
6. United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Countries That Will Require an ETA Later:

1. United States (starting in November)
2. Most other countries (including European Union nationals, by spring next year)

Also Read: Transit Schengen Visas: A Guide for Travellers to the US, Canada, and the UK

Rationale Behind the ETA Scheme

The UK government states that the ETA scheme will close the existing gaps in border permissions, providing a clearer understanding of who is entering the UK.

Cooper noted that once fully implemented, the ETA system will offer a comprehensive record of travelers, enhancing national security and streamlining immigration processes.

The recent changes also include the removal of Jordanian nationals from the list of those eligible to apply for an ETA, according to updates on the UK government website.

Comparisons with Other Visa Waiver Programs

Visa waiver schemes are not a new concept globally. The United States has a similar system known as the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which was first introduced in 2009. The ESTA currently costs $21 and is valid for two years.

Similarly, the European Union is planning to launch its visa waiver program, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), in 2025. The ETIAS will be valid for three years and will cost travelers 7 euros (approximately $7.50).

Implications for European Travellers

The introduction of the UK’s ETA fee comes as part of the country’s efforts to enhance its border security following Brexit. Since formally leaving the European Union in January 2020, the UK has implemented several changes to its immigration and travel policies, affecting how EU nationals can enter the country.

European travelers, who were previously able to enter the UK without any pre-arrival authorization, will now have to pay the waiver fee and obtain an ETA. This change represents a significant shift in the UK’s travel landscape, especially for frequent European visitors.

What European Travellers Should Prepare For

European travelers planning to visit the United Kingdom should prepare for this new requirement by budgeting for the £10 fee and allowing time to apply for an ETA before their trip.

It is important to check for any updates on the implementation timeline to ensure compliance with the new rules. Travelers should also be aware that the fee is non-refundable, even if their plans change.

Conclusion

The UK’s new £10 ETA fee for visa-exempt visitors, including Europeans, represents a major shift in immigration policy. This change aims to enhance border security and manage visitor flow. Travelers should stay updated and prepare for this new requirement to avoid disruptions, especially post-Brexit.