UK Plans for ETA scheme for travellers
When the UK left the EU, the Home Office implemented a new points-based immigration system. This means that UK immigration rules apply to newly arriving migrants, including those from the EU. A visa is not required by EU citizens to visit the UK as tourists, but a visa is required by those coming to work, study (depending on the length of stay) or join the family here.
This first step has been a base for the further transformation of the border and immigration system.
Recently announced plans by the Home Office include an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system for visitors by 2024 to digitalise the processes of obtaining the permissions to enter the country. The system will be similar to those used by other countries such as the USA.
The ETA system is planned to be operational by 2024 and will ensure that everyone travelling to the UK will need permission in advance of travel, either through an ETA or a visa.
This means that current non-visa nationals including all EU countries, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Japan, Mexico and South Korea will need to apply for an ETA for short-term (less than six months) programmes from 2024.
The intention is to make the ETA scheme largely automated in order to be able to process a similar number of applications of up to 30 million based on the pre-pandemic arrivals. The visa decisions in more complex cases will be made by the visa officers.
The applicants will need to have confirmed travel arrangements and provide Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Records (PNR) that will be collected by the carriers.
The Home Office document of the plans details the steps and timings to make the visa process more digitalised and allowing passengers a better experience through airports and ports of entry. The full document can be accessed on the Home Office website: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/new-plan-for-immigration-legal-migration-and-border-control/new-plan-for-immigration-legal-migration-and-border-control-strategy-statement-accessible-web-version
The home office also highlighted that as previously planned the use of ID cards for EU, EEA and Swiss nationals will end from 1st October 2021.
