The UK ETA is now mandatory for citizens from 48 non-European countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, and Australia. Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/Iakov Kalinin
The UK has introduced its ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) digital registration scheme for non-European travellers who are visiting or transiting through the UK, and who don’t require a visa.
The ETA, a digital permission to travel in advance of arriving in the UK, was previously only required for nationals of certain countries, including Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan.
From 8 January, it has been extended to 48 countries worldwide, including those nationalities from Asia Pacific countries and territories such as Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, Macao, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan.
From 2 April, nationals of 34 European countries will require an ETA. Nationalities not listed on the UK government website cannot get an ETA and will need to check if they need a visa instead.
It costs £10 (US$12) to apply for an ETA with one lasting for two years and it can be used for unlimited travel to the UK during that timeframe, for a period of up to six months for each visit, or until the traveller’s passport expires if that is sooner.
Applications for an ETA can be made through the UK ETA app or the Welcome to GOV.UK website and ETAs will be digitally linked to a traveller’s passport.