UK to introduce electronic immigration system for European citizens

From April 2, citizens of European countries traveling to the UK will be required to have an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). This decision was made by the British Government to strengthen border security.

Illustrative image, (Source: AFP)

From April 2nd, citizens of European countries traveling to the UK will be required to have an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). This decision was made by the British government to enhance border security.

ETAs can be registered online in the next few days, at a fee of £10 (approximately €12 or $12.60). From April 9th, this fee will increase to £16.

The ETA program operates similarly to the US ESTA system. Earlier this year, in January, it was implemented for citizens of the US, Canada, and other visa-exempt countries.

Immigration Minister Seema Malhotra said that by digitizing the immigration system, the UK government is aiming for a "contactless border."

According to Ms. Malhotra, the global expansion of ETA demonstrates the UK's commitment to enhancing security through technology and innovation.
The ETA is valid for two years, allows visitors to stay for a maximum of six months, and is mandatory for all individuals, including minors and infants.

European citizens can apply via the UK government's smartphone app or website from the beginning of March. Applicants need to provide a passport photo and a facial image. According to the UK Home Office , the process can take around 10 minutes.

However, the UK government recommends that travelers apply at least 3 days before their trip to avoid the risk of delays. If approved, the ETA will be linked to the applicant's passport.

Passengers who are only transiting through a quarantine area without entering the UK are exempt from this program.

The ETA program was first launched in 2023 for Qatari citizens, then expanded to five other Gulf countries. By January of this year, the program had further expanded to around 50 other countries and territories, including Argentina, South Korea, and New Zealand. According to the UK Home Office, nearly 1.1 million travelers have been granted ETAs by the end of 2024.

ETA is a version of the European Union's (EU) ETIAS program, which allows citizens of certain countries to enter 30 European nations visa-free, including France and Germany. ETIAS has been postponed until 2026.

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/anh-ap-dung-he-thong-nhap-canh-dien-tu-doi-voi-cong-dan-chau-au-post1023799.vnp