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As many of you will know, the UK immigration system has different immigration rules for visitors coming to the UK from:
- Non-visa national (NVN) countries – people from these countries do not need to apply for a Visitor visa before travelling to the UK and will simply be granted this on entry at the UK border.
- Visa-national countries – people from these countries must obtain a Visitor visa before they travel to the UK and will not be permitted to enter the UK without one, even if they make it to the UK border.
The UK government has introduced Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs) and are currently operating a three-stage, phased roll-out. An ETA is an advanced permission document for individuals to travel and transit through the UK (much like the well-known ESTA system in the USA). An ETA is only required by NVN visitors. The proposed length of their visit in the UK will be immaterial. Visa-national individuals should continue to apply for UK visas as normal and presently are unaffected by the new ETA roll out.
ETAs have been introduced to strengthen the UK border, enhance the Home Office’s ability to screen travellers and limit threats posed by NVNs. The Home Office has stated that this increased use of automation will speed up clearance at the UK border and will improve overall travel experience. Phase one of the roll out is complete and individuals from the following countries wishing to visit or transit through the UK must now obtain an ETA before they travel:
- Bahrain
- Kuwait
- Oman
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates
The Home Office are due to initiate the phase two of the roll out on the 27 November, allowing the next lot of NVNs to apply for ETAs. These individuals will require an ETA for any travel to or through the UK from 8 January 2025.
Phase three will be rolled out on 5 March 2025 and will impact all EEA nationals that do not have a right to enter/reside in the UK.
Prior to any visit to or transit through the UK, an online application will need to be completed by the NVN using a valid passport. The application will cost £10 and will allow successful applicants permission to travel to or transit through the UK for up to two years. As the ETA is attached to an applicant’s passport, if that passport expires prior to the expiration of their ETA, they will be required to apply for a new ETA with their renewed passport.
Impact for Employers
If you have any international employees or work with employees from overseas linked entities that may need to travel to the UK within the next six months, please consider whether they will need an ETA or an alternative UK visa before they travel. As an ETA lasts for up to two years, once obtained, it will cover any future business associated travel, including any unplanned, last-minute travel within that period. This will reduce any issues and will ensure a stress-free crossing of the UK border.
If you wish to discuss this further or want assistance with completing applications, please do not hesitate to contact Lynsey Blyth.
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