UK Expands Visa-waiver Entry Scheme To US, Canada, Australia

The United Kingdom has extended its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme to include citizens of the United States, Canada, and Australia, in a move aimed at tightening border security.

The system, which took effect on Wednesday, also covers travelers from around 50 other countries and territories, such as Argentina, Brazil, Japan, South Korea, and Caribbean nations.

The ETA, similar to the United States’ ESTA system, requires travelers from visa-exempt countries to obtain pre-travel authorisation.

Costing £10 ($12.50), the digital permit allow stays of up to six months over a two-year period.

Visitors can apply for the ETA via an app, with the authorisation linked electronically to their passports.

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First launched in 2023 with Qatar, the system was later expanded to include five Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

The latest extension, which has been in effect since November for applicants, is expected to impact millions of annual visitors, including approximately six million from the US, Canada, and Australia, according to UK government estimates.

From April 2, the scheme will be further expanded to include dozens of European Union and other European countries. Travelers from these regions can begin applying from March 5.

Under the new rules, eligible travelers will need an ETA, even if they are only transiting through the UK. The requirement applies to all travelers, including children and infants.

However, British and Irish citizens, passport holders from British overseas territories, and legal UK residents are exempt from the scheme. It also does not alter the visa requirements for travelers from countries that already require a visa to enter the UK, such as China, Ecuador, and South Africa.

The rollout has however drawn criticism from London’s Heathrow Airport, which argued that the system was harming the UK’s competitiveness.

“The new requirement has reduced the number of passengers transiting through the UK and makes the country less competitive, ultimately impacting economic growth,” the airport said.

Previously, travelers from visa-exempt countries could enter the UK with just their passports, passing through immigration without additional authorisation.

The ETA mirrors the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which is set to launch mid-year. ETIAS will apply to travelers from visa-exempt countries visiting 30 European nations, including France and Germany.

Costing €7 ($7.40), this will also allow visits of up to three years.