UK Introduces Electronic Authorisation For Travelers Previously Not Needing Visa

An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) will soon be a requirement for people who do not need a visa to come to the United Kingdom (UK). 

According to information on GOV.Uk, this will give permission to travel to the UK, and it will be electronically linked to passport.

The information read: “You’ll need an ETA to come to the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business or study, come to the UK for up to 3 months on the Creative Worker visa concession; transit through the UK, including if you’re not going through UK border control.”

The website went ahead to specify those who will need an ETA: “If you’re from Qatar; You’ll need an ETA if you’re travelling to the UK on or after 15 November 2023. You’ll be able to apply from 25 October.

“If you’re from Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates, you’ll need an ETA if you’re travelling to the UK on or after 22 February 2024. You’ll be able to apply from 1 February 2024.

“If you’re from another country; You do not need to apply for an ETA now. More nationalities will be added to the scheme later.”

It added that: “You will not need an ETA if you have either a British or Irish passport, and have permission to live, work or study in the UK or a visa to enter the UK.

“If you live in Ireland and you’re not an Irish citizen, you will not need an ETA if all of the following apply; you’re legally resident in Ireland, you do not need a visa to enter the UK, you’re entering the UK from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man.

“You can prove you live in Ireland by showing any of these: Irish driving licence, Irish learner permit, medical card, GP visit card, European Health Insurance Card, Irish Residence Permit, Permanent Residence Certificate, Temporary Residence Certificate, National Age Card.”

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

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