The Government has today introduced the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for visitors from the middle east, starting with those travelling from Qatar.
ETAs, which is similar to the US ESTA system, is being introduced as part of the transformation and digitisation of the UK border.
According to the Government website, ETA will offer “a more efficient customer experience and cement the UK as a world leader in border security.”
The ETA scheme is for visitors who do not need a visa for short stays to the UK, or who do not already have a UK immigration status prior to travelling.
Applications are now open to Qatari nationals, who will require an ETA to travel to the UK on or after November 15, 2023.
ITM canvassed its buyer members for their reaction to the ETA news. Scott
Davies, CEO, ITM said: "They do not see the introduction of the ETA for
Qatari
nationals as an issue, provided the system works well, as in other
countries such as USA, Canada, where something similar is already in
place.
"Travel managers have accepted it as a government decision and
have advised their travellers accordingly. They are also aware that this
is set to be the first of more to come.”
Other nationalities do not need to apply yet, but from February 1, 2024, the scheme will be introduced for nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Jordan.
In the future, the scheme will also be implemented worldwide for
visitors to the UK who do not currently need a visa for short stays,
including European nationals.
ETAs are also required for those transitioning through the UK.
Clive Wratten, CEO of the Business Travel Association said of the news: “The
BTA welcomes the modernisation to UK border entry requirements for
overseas visitors, as should the rest of the industry. The commencement
of the ETA for Qatari visitors is both an exciting and important step.
Moreover, it is vital that entry to the UK is efficient to allow
overseas business travellers to invest in the UK.
"We look forward to continuing to work with the UK Border Force, ensuring that overseas business travellers’ needs are a core focus of border modernisations. These investments will in turn develop and support the UK economy”.
Also commenting on the news Julia Lo Bue-Said, CEO of The Advantage Travel Partnership, said: “With the new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) set to come into effect later this week for visitors from Qatar, we need to see the government and travel industry working together to effectively communicate the new system to avoid any potential disruption at the borders upon arrival.”
An ETA costs £10, and permits multiple journeys. It is valid for two years, or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever is sooner.
The easiest way to apply for an ETA is through the UK ETA app, or via the GOV.UK website. The applicant will receive an email confirmation after around three days and the ETA will be linked electronically to their passport.
Lo Bue-Said added: “Whilst we are hoping to see the initial launch go smoothly, it is vital any challenges are dealt with quickly and efficiently before a further roll out of the system to the Gulf States and beyond.
“The UK is part of a highly competitive global economy and it’s vital that we remain capable of delivering frictionless travel for both business and leisure travellers”.
The Home Office estimates there will be around 30 million applications each year once it has fully launched the scheme by 2025.