The end of privileges for European travelers. Residents of the European Union (except Irish nationals), who have until now been exempt from a visa to return to the UK, will soon be required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to travel there. The news comes directly from the Business Travel website, which quotes Priti Patel, the very conservative Secretary of State for Home Affairs.
According to the Minister responsible for Home Affairs, this ETA request will be subject to a fee (around £18 or €21). You will need to provide biographical (personal information) and biometric (fingerprints and photo, among others) information. If accepted, it will grant the interested visitor a visa exemption to stay in the UK for 180 days.
A pilot phase is scheduled for March 2023
The first pilot phase is scheduled for March 2023 and will cover travelers from Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Bahrain. The system will be rolled out worldwide (including European travelers) by the end of 2023. According to the United Kingdom, which aims to digitize all its border entries by 2025, the aim is to simplify and speed up its entry formalities. area. With a valid ETA, the traveler will no longer need to present their passport upon arrival at the border.
AS WELL AS – Great Britain. Dover Harbor is still difficult to access for major holiday departures
Source: Le Figaro
