LONDON, Sept 13: The UK government this week announced an overhaul in non-visa entry requirements for visitors from next year.
The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme is similar to the ESTA system in the United States.
The interior ministry announced that all visitors who do not require a visa to travel to Britain will need an ETA from April 2, 2025.
"Everyone wishing to travel to the UK -- except British and Irish citizens -- will need permission to travel in advance of coming here.
"This can be either through an ETA or an eVisa," the Home Office said in a statement.
It is a travel permit digitally linked to the traveller's passport and is for people entering or transiting the UK without a visa or legal residence rights.
It costs £10 (12 euros, 13 dollars) and permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time over two years or until the holder's passport expires -- whichever is sooner.
Eligibility is based on nationality and suitable travellers can apply using the UK ETA app.
Previously, most visitors could arrive at a British airport with their passport and enter the country without a visa.
But that began to change in November last year when the then Conservative government introduced the ETA, starting with Qatari nationals.
The scheme was extended earlier this year and currently includes citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Children and babies from these countries need an ETA too. —AFP
