Europeans Will Need to Pay to Visit the UK Starting Next Year

From next year, anyone who wishes to visit the United Kingdom including people from European countries will have to obtain a visa. This new rule is for those who do not require a visa to travel to the United Kingdom.

What is the ETA?

The British government is coming up with what they are calling an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Here’s what you need to know:

– It is an online pass that one has to obtain before planning to travel to the United Kingdom.

– It also costs £10 (about $12 or €11).

– You must obtain it through the Internet before your travel.

– After you get one, you can utilize it in several journeys within two years.

– Every person in this world requires one at some point in their lives including infants and children.

– It will be connected to your passports electronically.

Who Needs the ETA?

– The majority of international travelers come to the UK without intending to be residents and therefore do not require a visa.

– This includes foreigners arriving from the European Union, the United States, Canada, and other parts of the world.

– They said that the Irish citizens do not require an ETA.

When Does This Start?

The UK is rolling out this system gradually:

– Some of the Middle Eastern countries have already adopted it.

– European and Asian visitors will require it from the beginning of the year 2025 with Americans Canadians and Japanese included.

– Europeans will need it from March 2025.

– Most overseas visitors will be required to have an ETA by April 2025.

What are the UK’s Motivations for Doing This?

There are a few reasons:

1. To improve border security.

2. To improve the identification of the people coming into the country.

3. It is used to curb cases of people who seek to exploit the immigration system to their advantage.

This change is partially because the United Kingdom (UK) exited the European Union (Brexit). Now, Britain needs to decide who it wants in their land, and as of lately, they have wanted more control.

What about the Europeans that move to other European countries for instance to seek employment opportunities?

The European Union is planning a similar system called ETIAS: 

– Brits will be included in the list of non-EU people who will need to apply.

– A receipt will be €7 (approximately £6 or $8).

– It will be valid for three years as a departure from the current six years validity of the current one.

Some of the following are some of the concerns raised by the ETA.

– Not even those just transiting in the UK will be allowed to enter without an ETA.

– Some are concerned that this might reduce the number of passengers who will opt to pass through the UK airports.