By Hassanat Adebowale
From April 2, the United Kingdom will require travellers arriving without a visa to obtain an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) before entry. Applications for the ETA are open as of Wednesday, with the system marking a significant change in the UK’s border security measures.
The ETA serves as a digital pre-screening process designed to enhance security and streamline entry for visitors who do not require a visa. The UK Home Office clarified that the ETA is not a visa and does not guarantee entry, but it allows travellers to proceed to border checks where final approval is granted.
Initially priced at €10 ($12.80), the cost of obtaining an ETA is set to rise to €16 in the coming months. Once approved, the permit allows multiple entries into the UK and permits stays of up to six months within a two-year period, provided the traveller’s passport remains valid.
“The introduction of the ETA aligns with the border security practices of other countries, such as the United States and Australia. It is intended to prevent the entry of individuals who might pose a security risk to the UK,” the Home Office stated on its website. The screening includes checks for criminal records and aims to safeguard against misuse of the immigration system.
Travellers are advised to apply for the ETA using the Home Office’s dedicated mobile app. The process requires applicants to answer a series of security questions, provide their residential and work details, and upload a passport photo. Applicants aged nine and older will also need to submit a photograph of their face. Those without access to a compatible smartphone can apply via the official government website using a computer.
The Home Office highlighted that the system is designed to ensure compliance with modern security requirements while facilitating smoother entry for eligible visitors. It is part of the UK’s broader efforts to enhance border management and maintain national security.
The introduction of the ETA highlights a global shift in immigration practices, where governments aim to balance national security with the ease of movement for travellers. Under the UK Immigration Act, the government already has broad authority to manage entry, but the ETA introduces an additional layer of control. This allows officials to screen travellers before they arrive, reducing potential security risks at the border.
While the pre-screening process could make immigration procedures smoother, it also raises concerns about privacy, particularly regarding the collection of personal and biometric data. For travellers, it’s important to understand the legal implications of sharing this information and how it may be used.
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