A Comprehensive Guide to the UK’s ETA Entry Fee

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Traveling to the United Kingdom is set to become costlier due to the introduction of a new electronic travel authorization (ETA) fee, which will take effect this week.

The highly anticipated ETA will be mandatory for most visitors, including those from the United States, starting on Wednesday, January 8. This authorization will allow multiple entries into the country.

Seema Malhotra, the UK’s minister for migration and citizenship, emphasized that the ETA highlights the country’s commitment to enhancing security through modern technology and improving the immigration framework.

When will the ETA be implemented?

The ETA fee will come into play on January 8 for travelers from various nations, including the U.S., Canada, Australia, and Mexico. Following this, from April 2, individuals from European countries will also need to apply for entry into the UK.

Travelers from several Gulf nations, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, have already been subject to the ETA requirements since 2023 and 2024.

What will the ETA cost?

The application fee for the ETA is set at £10 (approximately $12.51), and this fee is linked to the traveler’s passport.

How often is the ETA required?

The ETA authorization will only need to be obtained once, as it remains valid for multiple trips over a two-year period, or until the passport expires, allowing for stays of up to six months at a time.

What is the application process?

Travelers can submit their applications using a mobile app available on iOS, through Google Play, or via an online platform. Each applicant must submit a separate application, with most decisions typically arriving within three working days or less.

Using the app may expedite the decision-making process for travelers applying for the ETA.

What information is needed for the application?

Applicants will need to provide a photo of their passport alongside a personal photo. They should also have a valid email address, along with a credit or debit card, or options like Apple Pay or Google Pay for payment.

Which travelers are exempt from the fee?

Exemptions from the ETA fee include individuals who possess dual British or Irish citizenship, as well as those with current permissions to live, work, or study in the UK.

Is there a similar system in the U.S.?

Indeed, the United States has a comparable requirement known as the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), applicable to citizens from countries that are part of the Visa Waiver Program. The cost to apply for ESTA is $21.

What are the plans for visiting the rest of Europe?

The European Commission is planning to introduce its own electronic authorization system, named the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). This system is expected to be launched later this year, targeting travelers from various visa-exempt nations, including the United States. The fee for ETIAS will be €7 (approximately $7.27).

Source
www.travelandleisure.com