Travelers to the UK will soon have to apply in advance and pay to enter the country. The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) regime will come into effect later this year.
The ETA system in the UK, which will be fully implemented by the end of 2023, will require all non-visa holders to pre-fill and submit online applications, according to government website etauk.uk.
The ETA implementation is part the UK's program to fully digitize its borders by 2025.
“Our number one priority is securing the UK's borders, and by launching ETA we can ensure that everyone in the UK has permission to do so. The rest — those who pose a threat, we will refuse”, — UK Home Secretary Priti Patel said in a statement.
To apply, travelers will be required to provide personal information, passport and security information. Applications will be processed automatically and a response is promised within 48–72 hours.
The cost of obtaining a permit will be announced later.
At the first stage, ETA will be tested in several countries of the Persian Gulf, including the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain and others.
The introduction of ETA comes as Europe plans to roll out its new European travel information and authorization system in November. This permit is subject to a €7 fee and will apply to foreigners between the ages of 18 and 70.
Travelers to the US must also apply for a similar permit prior to arrival: Electronic Travel Authorization System, or ESTA , which is available to travelers from countries with a visa waiver program. The ESTA fee increased from $14 to $21 last year, according to US Customs and Border Protection.