The process is entirely digital and takes around 10 minutes to complete, but involves a cost of £10 (€12), which is expected to rise to £16 (€19) in the coming weeks.

This week, the British parliament approved legislation to increase the value of electronic travel authorization (ETA).

The system is identical to what other countries such as the United States (ESTA) and Australia (Australian ETA) already have in place and which the European Union intends to implement this year for tourists and short-stay visitors (ETIAS).

The British Government believes that ETA will make the digital immigration system simpler, faster and safer, allowing people to be identified before they enter the country.

“The expansion of ETA worldwide reinforces our commitment to improving security through technology and innovation,” said Secretary of State for Migration and Citizenship Seema Malhotra. Before entering the UK, travellers must submit an application online or via a mobile app, providing personal and biometric data and answering a number of questions, including about any criminal record. The UK authorities guarantee a decision within three days, although most are quicker, taking just a few seconds or minutes. The ETA, which is attached to the passport, is valid for two years, but must be renewed if the passport expires in the meantime. The authorisation allows an unlimited number of stays over two years in the UK for a maximum consecutive period of six months and is different from a visa, which is required to study, work and even marry in the country.

However, following complaints from airlines and airports, a temporary exemption was created for passengers who do so without leaving the airport and therefore do not go through border control, as at Heathrow or Manchester.

The ETA does not apply to residence permit holders, such as those registered in the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) opened after Brexit, visa workers or students, nor to Irish nationals, who share a common travel zone with the UK.

The extension of the regime, aimed at countries that did not require a visa to enter the UK, comes months after it came into force for citizens of 48 countries and territories, including Brazil, Macau, the United States, Canada, Japan and Australia.

The UK began issuing ETAs in 2023 to citizens of Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

The regime will undergo an adaptation period in the coming months, and authorities may allow entry into the country even without authorisation, but those who attempt to circumvent the immigration system may be criminally prosecuted.

Portuguese-speaking countries such as Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe or Timor-Leste are not eligible for an ETA and their citizens will have to apply for a visa in advance to enter the United Kingdom.

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