The United Kingdom is advancing toward a completely electronic immigration system that would require non-UK national’s to have electronic travel authorization (ETA) or electronic Visa (eVisa) before traveling to the UK. The goal of this change is to move more of the immigration system into an electronic (digital) system that is easier for travelers to navigate and increases security for all travelers.
eVisa or ETA?
In the UK, foreign nationals that require a visa to live, work or study will now be issued an eVisa, which is digital proof of their immigration status. The digitalization of immigration documents eliminates risks of physical documents being stolen or misplaced and expedites travel processing. Beginning in April 2025, all travelers that do not require a Visa, will need an ETA for entry clearance to the UK.
Implementation Dates
As part of the transition, travelers from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates can now apply for an ETA. Non-European travelers can apply for an ETA beginning November 27, 2024. The ETA has requirements for travel beginning January 8, 2025. Eligible Europeans can obtain an ETA starting March 5, 2025 for entry starting April 2, 2025.
Benefits of ETA
ETAs are linked electronically to a traveler’s passport which means enhanced security checks can be done prior to arrival. This is intended to protect exploitation of our immigration system. The cost of a single ETA is £10, providing multiple entries into the UK for stay’s up to 6 months for 2 years or until the passport expires.
What Current Resident Needs to Do?
The UK government is encouraging travelers who have been using an immigration document (like a biometric residence permit) to register for an online account and switch to the eVisa. This is especially important because a large number of biometric residence permits (BRPs) will be expiring on December 31, 2024. The sooner you do this, the less likelihood that your residency could be interrupted.This shift towards digital immigration aligns the UK with practices adopted by other countries, such as the United States and Australia, and aims to enhance border security while facilitating smoother travel experiences for visitors.
