Dubai: European travellers heading to the UK without a visa will soon face a £10 (approximately $13) waiver fee. The new policy, set to roll out over the next year, expands the UK's electronic travel authorization (ETA) system.
Initially introduced for Qatar nationals, the ETA will now be required for travellers from a broader range of countries, including European Union citizens.
The new ETA fee applies to all visa-free visitors
According to UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, the non-refundable fee will apply to all visitors without a visa or permission to live, work, or study in the UK, including infants and children. The expansion of the ETA system will first include travellers from countries such as the US, starting in November, and will extend to European nationals by next spring. However, Irish citizens will be exempt from this new requirement.
ETA scheme aims to enhance travel security
"Once fully implemented, the ETA scheme will close the existing gap in advance permissions and provide us with a comprehensive overview of all individuals traveling to the UK," Cooper said in a statement.
Current ETA requirements and future changes
Current ETA requirements already apply to citizens from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Additionally, Jordanian nationals are no longer eligible to apply for an ETA to enter the UK.
Comparison with other travel authorization schemes
The concept of visa waiver schemes is not new. For example, the United States' ESTA, introduced in 2009, costs $21 and is valid for two years. The European Union’s ETIAS, which will be valid for three years and cost 7 euros (about $7.50), has been delayed until 2025.
UK’s post-Brexit travel authorisation update
The UK formally exited the European Union in January 2020, leading to this updated approach to travel authorisation.