UK plots new entry ETA

AUTHORITIES in Great Britain have announced a “New Plan for Immigration” which includes a Permission to Travel scheme, requiring any visitors to seek advance authorisation before entering the country.

The proposals include a new UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, scheduled to roll out later this year, with all travellers required to hold a digital approval to travel to the UK.

The UK Government said the move was in line with the approach taken by other countries including the USA (ESTA), Canada (ETA), Australia (eTA) and New Zealand (NZeTA), with the EU also expected to finally launch its ETIAS scheme this year ( TD 17 Nov 2016).

Customers applying for a UK ETA will provide their biographic, biometric and contact details, and answer a short set of suitability questions, with the majority of visitors expected to receive their authority within a short time of submitting their application.

The government said “this will increase our knowledge about who’s seeking to come to the UK and prevent the arrival of those who present a threat”.

“Instead of turning people away at our border or detaining them at a cost to the taxpayer, this approach will allow us to stop people travelling to the UK in the first place,” a briefing paper said.

Airlines will be required to ensure passengers are properly documented for travel to the UK, with real-time feedback from Advance Passenger Information systems confirming permission to board guests on UK-bound flights.

Similar requirements will apply to rail and cruise operators.

The cost of a UK ETA has not been revealed, but the govt noted that applicants will need a credit or debit card to apply.