According to the British Home Secretary, Priti Patel, all visitors who do not require a visa to enter the UK will soon have to undergo a Electronic Entry Clearance (ETA). This approach would apply in particular to all citizens of the European UnionThis does not apply to Irish nationals. Applying for an ETA should cost about £18 (21 €).
A document detailing the Home Office's plan indicates that travellers eligible for ETA will have to provide biographical and biometric data, their contacts and a credit card number.
The Secretary of State confirmed...
According to the British Home Secretary, Priti Patel, all visitors who do not require a visa to enter the UK will soon have to undergo a Electronic Entry Clearance (ETA). This approach would apply in particular to all citizens of the European UnionThis does not apply to Irish nationals. Applying for an ETA should cost about £18 (21 €).
A document detailing the Home Office's plan indicates that travellers eligible for ETA will have to provide biographical and biometric data, their contacts and a credit card number.
The Secretary of State confirmed the forthcoming changes to the British policy visa requirements. She stated that the new ETA system will provide the government with more accurate information on migration.. The system will be similar to the United States Entry Clearance System (ESTA) or the future European Union system. ETIAS. It will come into force in 2023.
Once the form has been submitted for approval, a reply will normally be given within 72 hours. If the application is successful, applicants will then receive confirmation of their multiple-entry visa exemption by email. Visitors will benefit from 180 days (6 months) in the UK. No information is yet available on the validity of the ETA.
Digitising the UK's borders
The measure supports the UK government's ambition fully digitise border entries by 2025. This means that passengers arriving in the country will simply have to scan the passport they used to apply for the ETA.
At the same time, it will speed up entry formalities. By obtaining the ETA, passengers will be able to enter the country without scanning their passport or showing it to an immigration officer. Instead, they will have to upload a photo of themselves and submit it to the Home Office before travelling. On arrival in the UK, a machine will identify the person.
The system should be tested from March 2023 with travellers from Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Bahrain. It could then be extended to the rest of the world before the end of next year.
