0
0
The United Kingdom (UK) has revised its entry requirements for individuals planning to visit the country.
On Monday, September 4, the UK announced that citizens from countries like Nigeria, with the exception of British and Irish nationals, will be required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before entering the country. This new regulation will take effect from November 15, 2023, and applies to all travelers, including minors.
This updated travel policy mandates that all visa applicants intending to travel to the UK must possess an ETA card before they embark on their journey or transit through the UK.
The UK Home Office has clarified that individuals who need this travel permit are those who were previously eligible to visit the UK without a visa and are not already legally resident in the country. This requirement also applies to tourists, business travelers, and those visiting family and friends, provided their stay is less than six months. To obtain an ETA, applicants must apply online before making any travel arrangements to the UK. Once granted, the ETA will remain valid for multiple journeys over a two-year period or until the expiration date of the applicant’s passport.
The UK Home Office further emphasizes that travelers with valid visas may be prevented from boarding without a valid ETA, as the ETA is digitally linked to the traveler’s passport.
A statement from the UK Home Office explains, “The UK’s travel requirements are undergoing changes. With the exception of British and Irish citizens, all travelers, including minors, entering or transiting through the UK will soon need permission before traveling. This means that if you were previously eligible to visit the UK without a visa and are not already legally resident in the UK, you will need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA). Your stay must be shorter than six months and could include tourism, visiting family and friends, transit, business, or short-term study.”
The statement continues, “You do not need to present a physical copy, but it may be beneficial to keep the confirmation email for your own records. While an ETA grants you permission to travel to the UK, it does not guarantee entry. Therefore, you will still need to go through passport control at the border to gain entry into the UK. Ensure that you present the same passport you used to apply for your ETA and that your passport remains valid for the duration of your stay.”
