UK to enforce travel permit requirement for visitors

The UK government is urging international visitors to ensure they are prepared to travel as border rules apply.

Visitors to the UK will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), a digital travel permit costing Stg16 ($A31) that was first introduced in 2023 but has not been implemented outright.

From Wednesday, visitors to the UK will be required to obtain an ETA to travel, and those without an ETA will not be able to board planes, ferries or trains.

British and Irish citizens, including dual nationals, are exempt from the ETA requirement, which covers visitors from 85 countries, including Australia.

But the policy change means dual citizens who were previously able to enter the UK using their non-British passport will need a British passport or pay Stg589 ($A1128) for authorization.

UK Home Secretary Mike Tapp said: “The ETA scheme is a vital part of our work to strengthen the UK’s border security, helping to deliver a more efficient and modern service for both visitors and the British public.”

“I would advise anyone looking to travel to the UK to make sure they are prepared to travel and have the correct permit to make their journey smoother.”

Some dual citizens said the implementation of ETAs was rushed and not communicated adequately.

It is feared that holidays or business trips could be affected if people are unable to obtain a passport or authorization in time.

The Home Office has previously said public information advising dual citizens to carry the correct documents has been available since October 2024 and that a “significant communications campaign” has been running since 2023.

There are plans to increase the cost of the ETA to Stg 20 ($A38) at an unspecified future date.

ETA allows multiple trips to the UK for up to six months within two years or until the holder’s passport expires, whichever occurs first.

via Reuters