The United Kingdom authorities have announced that from February 22, 2024, the requirement to get an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) will start applying to nationals of six countries – Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
An ETA is a new requirement that will apply to all nationals of other countries who do not need a visa to enter the UK.
This document allows all of its holders to enter the UK without having to undergo extensive measures, and it is aimed, among others, to help the authorities keep better track of foreigners entering the country, VisaGuide.World reports.
Nationals of the six countries mentioned above will be part of the first group of countries that will have to get an ETA. However, it has been stressed that more countries will be added to the scheme later, meaning that the requirement will not start applying to all those who can enter the UK without a visa at the same time.
Apart from nationals of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and UAE, it has been revealed that nationals of Qatar will also be required soon to get an ETA. The requirement for nationals of Qatar to get an ETA will start applying on November 15, 2023.
All people who get an ETA once they are asked to will be permitted to enter and stay in the territory of the UK for up to six months for family visits, business, tourism, and study purposes.
In addition, holders of an ETA will also be permitted to enter and stay in the UK for up to a maximum of three months on the Creative Worker visa concession. They will also be allowed to transit through the UK with the document.
The UK Foreign Office explains that the ETA application will need to be made through the UK ETA app or online on the government’s website.
The Foreign Office further noted that a decision on the application is usually made within three working days, but in certain cases, it may take a shorter or longer time, depending on whether the authorities need to make further checks on applicants.
“You’ll need to apply on the UK ETA app, or online on GOV.UK. You’ll usually get a decision within three working days, but you may get a quicker decision. It may take longer than three working days if we need to make further checks,” the statement of the UK Foreign Office reads.
As for the price of the ETA, the authorities said that they would confirm the exact cost shortly, and they highlighted that an ETA would last two years.
The post UK to Introduce ETA for 6 Countries in February 2024 appeared first on VisaGuide.World.
