UK's New Electronic Travel Authorization Starting January 8: What Travelers Need to Know for 2025

The United Kingdom is implementing a significant change in its travel requirements with the introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system in 2025. This new measure will affect millions of visitors annually, particularly those who currently don't need a visa for short stays.

1. Implementation Date: The ETA system will be rolled out in two phases in 2025.

2. Cost: The fee for an ETA is £10 (approximately $12.75).

3. Application Process: Travelers must apply online before their trip. Most applicants should receive a decision within a few hours, but it may take up to three business days in some cases.

4. Validity: The ETA allows for multiple entries into the UK for up to six months and remains valid for two years or until the traveler's passport expires, whichever comes first.

5. Purpose: The ETA aims to strengthen UK border security by allowing pre-travel security checks.

Countries Affected:

Phase 1 (Apply from November 27, 2024, for travel from January 8, 2025):

Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Hong Kong SAR, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Macao SAR, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Nauru, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Samoa, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Taiwan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, United States, Uruguay

Phase 2 (Apply from March 5, 2025, for travel from April 2, 2025):

Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Vatican City

Exceptions:

- Irish citizens and those with British or Irish passports issued in the Channel Islands or Isle of Man are exempt from the ETA requirement.

- Travelers who require a visa or have a valid UK immigration status do not need an ETA.

This new system represents a significant change in UK travel requirements. Travelers planning UK trips from 2025 onward should be aware of this new requirement and factor it into their travel preparations.

Visitors to the UK from 48 countries must now apply and pay a fee before travel cnn.com/travel/uk-eta-visa-travel-2025/index.html

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