The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a new requirement for visa-free travel to the UK, starting from November this year, but it does not apply to British passport holders, or to passport-holders who require a visa to enter the UK – like South Africans.
ETA will give travellers permission to enter the UK and it is electronically linked to the individual’s passport. It comes at the cost of £10 (around R233) per entrant.
Those visitors from visa-waiver countries entering for up to six months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business or study will need to complete ETA before travel.
Those entering for up to three months on the Creative Worker Visa Concession Programme will also be required to complete ETA, as will those from visa waiver countries who are transiting through the UK – regardless of whether or not the passport-holder is passing through UK border control.
The UK government will adopt a phased approach to the introduction of ETA, starting from November 15, with the first ETAs to be required from nationals of Qatar.
Then, from February 22 next year, this will be a requirement for nationals of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Other passport-holders will follow.
British and Irish passport holders are exempt from the requirement. Those who have permission to live, work or study in the UK need no ETA, nor do those who need a visa to enter the UK.
However, according to the UK government, legal residents of Ireland, who do not require a visa to visit the UK, will not need ETA if they enter the UK from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man
How to get ETA (when the time comes)
*According to the UK government website, travellers will be able to apply on the UK ETA app, or online on www.gov.uk.
*Agents or third parties will be able to apply on behalf of others.
*The applicant will receive an email confirmation if the application is approved.
*The ETA will be electronically linked to the passport – so it follows that the same passport quoted in the application must be used for entry.
*Each traveller will need their own ETA, including children and babies.
*The UK government website says travellers will “usually get a decision within three working days” – but adds it could be faster, or if further checks are needed, more than three days.
*The ETA will last for two years.
*If the traveller’s passport expires in less than two years, they will need to apply for a new ETA.
*Visitors can use the same ETA to make multiple visits to the UK.
