Uk Travel Openings: When Can We Expect Changes?

The UK's forthcoming ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) scheme has sparked controversy, with critics arguing that it could deter tourists from countries that previously did not require a visa to enter the UK, such as the US, Canada, Australia, and Europe. The ETA will be required for visa-exempt nationalities, including those from Europe, Canada, and Australia, for travel to the UK starting April 2, 2025. Applications for the ETA will open on November 27, 2024, for US, Australian, New Zealand, and other Commonwealth passport holders, with other nationalities following suit in March 2025. The scheme has already been implemented for selected Middle Eastern countries, with Qatari passport holders being the first to join in November 2023. The UK government describes the ETA as a visa-waiver scheme, but critics argue that it is a visa in all but name, creating unnecessary red tape for travellers. The impact of the ETA on tourism remains to be seen, but it has already sparked concerns from industries that rely heavily on international visitors.

The UK's new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme

The ETA scheme is primarily for visitors who do not require a visa for short stays in the UK or who do not have prior UK immigration status. It is currently open for nationals of Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan, who need an ETA to enter the UK. Other nationalities cannot and do not need to apply yet. The scheme will eventually be introduced worldwide for visitors who do not currently need a visa for short stays, including European nationals.

The application process for an ETA is straightforward and fast, usually providing a decision within three working days. Applicants can apply through the 'UK ETA app' or online on the GOV.UK website. To apply, individuals need to provide contact and passport details, a valid photo, and answer a set of questions. Each traveller, including children and babies, must have an individual ETA linked to their passport.

An ETA costs £10 and is valid for multiple journeys for up to two years or until the holder's passport expires, whichever comes first. It allows holders to travel to the UK multiple times for tourism, visiting family and friends, business, study, certain types of work, or transit. However, it does not guarantee entry into the UK, and individuals may still be refused entry upon arrival.

While the ETA scheme aims to enhance border security and efficiency, there are concerns that it could deter tourists from countries like Europe, Canada, the US, and Australia, who previously visited without any similar requirements. Additionally, there are worries about the potential impact on tourism in Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands, as visitors may opt to exclude these destinations from their itineraries due to the added ETA fee.

The impact of the ETA on tourism

The UK's new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) has sparked concerns about its potential impact on the country's tourism industry, particularly in Northern Ireland. The ETA, which comes into effect in January 2025, will be required for all non-visa nationals visiting the UK, including tourists visiting Northern Ireland. This has raised alarms among tourism advocates, who worry that the added requirement and cost of the ETA will deter potential visitors and harm the region's tourism industry.

Northern Ireland's Economy Minister, Conor Murphy, has expressed strong concerns about the ETA's effect on tourism in the region, especially in Derry, a city heavily reliant on tourism. Murphy fears that the introduction of the ETA will result in Northern Ireland being excluded from tour itineraries, as tourists may opt to avoid the added complexity and expense. He emphasises the importance of "seamless all-island travel" with the Republic of Ireland for the success of Northern Ireland's tourism industry.

The Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council shares these concerns, stating that the ETA will create a "major barrier to growth" in Northern Ireland's tourism. They worry that the requirement for visitors crossing from the Republic of Ireland may lead to a decline in international visitors to the region. This is a significant issue, as almost 70% of tourists visiting Northern Ireland come via the Republic of Ireland, and air travel to Northern Ireland is challenging due to limited competition in the market.

The impact of the ETA on Northern Ireland's tourism industry is further exacerbated by the fact that tourists may unknowingly cross the open land border between Ireland and Northern Ireland without realising they need an ETA, inadvertently breaking immigration laws. While there are no plans to establish immigration checks at the border due to the Common Travel Area (CTA) Agreement, this loophole could still deter tourists from visiting Northern Ireland.

Despite these concerns, the UK government maintains that the ETA is necessary for improving border security. They have repeatedly refused to grant ETA exemptions for tourists visiting Northern Ireland via the Republic of Ireland, stating that such exemptions would undermine their efforts to strengthen border security. However, they have committed to working with stakeholders to ensure effective communication of the ETA requirement, which may help reduce its impact on cross-border tourism in Ireland.

The introduction of the ETA poses a real risk and a significant challenge for Northern Ireland's tourism industry. With strong opposition from local officials and businesses, the future of tourism in the region hangs in the balance. A balanced approach that ensures security while promoting tourism is crucial, and continued dialogue between local leaders and the government is essential to finding a solution that supports both security and tourism growth.

The cost and application process of the ETA

The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a new requirement for travellers to the UK who don't need a full visa for short trips. The scheme is designed to strengthen the UK's border security and improve the efficiency of the travel process. The ETA is valid for two years or until the associated passport expires, whichever comes first. It costs £10 per applicant and permits multiple journeys to the UK during the validity period. Each traveller, including babies and children, must have their own ETA.

The ETA application process is simple and fast, with applicants usually receiving a decision within three working days. The application can be made through the 'UK ETA' app or on the website. Applicants need to provide contact and passport details, a valid photo, and answer a set of suitability questions. The photo must comply with the rules for digital photos provided on the GOV.UK website. Applicants must also provide biometric data, including a photograph of their face. The application fee can be paid via credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.

It is important to note that the ETA is not a guarantee of entry into the UK. Applicants must still see a Border Force officer upon arrival and present the required documentation. Additionally, the ETA does not allow for stays longer than six months, paid or unpaid work (except for permitted engagements or work on the Creative Worker visa), claiming public funds, living in the UK through frequent visits, or registering a marriage or civil partnership.

The data collected by the UK Borders Agency

The UK Border Agency was replaced by UK Visas and Immigration in 2013, which now manages applications for people who want to visit, work, study, or settle in the UK. The data collected by the UK Borders Agency, now under the purview of UK Visas and Immigration, includes personal information supplied or collected for various purposes, including entering or leaving the UK, making visa applications, and immigration services. This data is used to secure the UK border, enforce immigration laws, and support immigration-related research.

The Home Office, as the controller, holds and processes personal information for individuals entering or leaving the UK, applying for visas, or seeking immigration services. This includes biographic information, biometric data (such as fingerprints or facial recognition data), travel history, and other sensitive data. The Home Office has a duty to safeguard and ensure the security of this personal information, with systems and policies in place to limit access and prevent unauthorised disclosure.

The data collected is used for several purposes, including verifying identity, processing applications, providing accommodation and financial support, safeguarding vulnerable individuals, and detecting and preventing crime. The data is also shared with other organisations for law enforcement, preventing fraud, and assisting in delivering statutory functions. These organisations include law enforcement agencies, credit reference agencies, local authorities, government departments, and financial institutions.

The retention period for this personal information varies depending on the type of data and the purpose for which it was collected. For example, personal data related to visas, settlement, or naturalisation is typically retained for 25 years after a decision, while advance passenger information may be retained for up to 10 years. The UK Borders Agency states that they will keep the information for as long as necessary for permitted purposes, with a long-term record of immigration history maintained to support future decision-making and enforce penalties.

The countries outside the ETA scheme

The UK's Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme is a digital permission to travel to the UK. It is required from foreign nationals who intend to visit or transit the UK without a visa. The scheme is part of the UK's efforts to strengthen border security and improve travel efficiency.

While the ETA scheme covers many countries, there are still nations that require a visa to enter or transit the UK. Here is a detailed list of countries outside the ETA scheme:

• Visa required for UK entry or transit airside: Albania, Algeria, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Russia, and many African nations.
• Visa required for UK entry or transit landside: Armenia, Cambodia, Ecuador, and Ukraine.

It is important to note that the UK government continues to review and update the list of countries that require a visa or are included in the ETA scheme. For the most up-to-date information, travellers are advised to refer to the FCDO website or the official UK government website.

Additionally, certain classes of individuals are exempt from the ETA requirement, including British subjects with the right of abode in the United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories citizens, Irish citizens (with some exceptions), and individuals with specific entry clearances or permissions.

The ETA scheme has sparked concerns about its potential impact on tourism and transit passengers. Critics worry that the scheme could deter visitors from countries that previously had visa-free access, such as Europe, Canada, the US, and Australia. There are also worries about the data collected through the ETA scheme and how it will be shared and utilised.

The ETA application process involves providing contact and passport details, a valid photo, and answering a set of questions. Applicants typically receive a decision within three working days. The ETA costs £10 per applicant and is valid for multiple entries for two years or until the applicant's passport expires, whichever comes first.

Frequently asked questions