Aussies heading to the UK from very early following year are currently able to look for the nation’s brand-new charge system. The United Kingdom introduced in September that it was broadening its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
It has actually formerly just been needed for visitors originating from numerous Middle Eastern nations, yet it will certainly currently be required for individuals flying over from Australia, the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Mexico, Norway andJapan The charge affixed to the ETA is ₤ 10, which exercises to be approximately AUD$ 19.40.
ETA applications opened up on Wednesday yet will not be required unless you’re taking a trip to the UK after January 8 following year.
“The worldwide expansion of the ETA demonstrates our commitment to enhance security through new technology and embedding a modern immigration system,” UK Minister for Migration and Citizenship Seema Malhotra said in a statement.
Every person coming into the UK will need an ETA, including children and babies.
You can sign up for an ETA using the UK government’s phone app or through their website here.
Australians will need to upload a picture of their passport and answer personal questions to get approved for an ETA.
This information will be checked against security databases and the whole process takes up to three days to complete.
Having an ETA will allow Aussies to stay in the UK for up to six months at a time and have multiple visits over two years or until the person’s passport expires.
The UK will expand the ETA scheme next year to include all countries in the European Union (EU) as well as Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Vatican City, Monaco and San Marino.
Ireland will be exempt from the UK’s ETA system.
Those nations will be able to apply for an ETA from March 5 for entry to the UK from April 2.
The UK’s ETA is similar to the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) announced this year.
The cost of applying for the ETIAS will be about $11.50 and it will be valid for three years or until your passport expires.
Thirty EU countries will require Aussies to have an ETIAS, however, travellers under 18 and those above 70 won’t be charged.
According to SmartTraveller, the ETIAS is expected to start in mid-late 2025.
