It has become the norm for crossing the borders of many business destinations: the electronic travel authorisationsElectronic Travel Authorisation", or " ETA "These are becoming increasingly common for both business and leisure travellers. While Europe is struggling to roll out its system ETIASthe British authorities have already taken the plunge. From 2 April Next year, this pass will be compulsory for all French travellers wishing to visit the United States. United Kingdom. And you can do it right now, via a dedicated application or on the government website. On this occasion, Eurostar and VisitBritain provide an update on the new formalities.
A rate increase already in sight
The ETA system was launched at the end of 2023, and already concerns major countries such as the United States and Australia. More than a million electronic authorisations (1,091,475 to be exact) have already been granted since then. And now it's Europe's turn to see the arrival of the ETA system. In less than a month, all non-British and non-Irish citizens - with rare exceptions - will be required to obtain this electronic travel authorisation, regardless of their age. L'ETA is invoiced 10 booksfor the moment... " As with all our expenses, the cost of an ETA is under review, and will be paid in full. we intend to increase the cost of an ETA to £16 in the futuresubject to Parliament's approval "warns VisitBritain. " We have always been clear in our communications that we are keeping the cost of an ETA under review, and we will provide more information in due course on when the cost will increase." . The date of the increase was not long in coming: from 9 April, the fare will rise to £16 (information updated on 24 March).
The average waiting time is estimated at 3 days to obtain the precious sesame. However, Eurostar officials point out: "As far as possible, make your request before booking your journey to the UK. Most applications are processed within three days, but this may be extended in some cases". Authorisation is valid for two yearsor until the passport concerned expires. The ETA is incorporated directly into the applicant's passport. What's more, it can be used to make several trips to the UK, for a single journey. maximum duration of 6 months per trip. At the time of application, travellers must provide their biographical and biometric data, and answer a few questions on "fitness and criminality".
Unchanged customer experience
Eurostar's management wants to reassure passengers about the impact of the deployment of ETA. The company promises a "Unchanged customer experienceand provides that there will be no no extra waiting time at the station. Nevertheless, the carrier has posted a checklist" tool to enable travellers to quickly identify which travel documents, visas and identity papers they need. And Eurostar is planning to "educate" future passengers by e-mail between one and five days before they travel, to avoid any unpleasant surprises...
For the Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Seema Malhotra, "securing our borders is one of the cornerstones of the UK Government's plan for change and, by digitising the immigration system, we are paving the way for a contactless UK border, ensuring a seamless travel experience for visitors in the future" .
