New entry rules for travel to the UK are now in effect

A new UK travel rule is now in effect. Australian tourists now require a digital permit before heading to the UK.

The travel requirement from the UK Government is called electronic travel authorisation (ETA).

Thescheme will cost Aussies around $20.

The initiative – which comes into effect on 8 January – is part of the UK Government’s plan to “digitise the UK border and immigration system”.

Context

In September, theannounced plans to mandate travel permits for all visitors to the UK.

From today, eligible non-Europeans (including Australians) must have an approved ETA or visa to enter the UK.

British and Irish citizens, and those with permission to live, work or study in the UK are exempt.

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Australian adults and children visiting the UK for tourism, work, short-term study or to see friends and family now need an ETA.

Visitors with an ETA cannot stay in the UK longer than six months.

Anyone travelling to the UK for another reason or planning a longer stay will need a visa instead.

ETA applications must be approved before a traveller can enter the UK.

The UK Government suggests its UK ETA app as “the fastest way to apply” for the digital permit.

Applications can also be completed online.

It takes around three days for an ETA application to be reviewed.

Once approved, ETAs last for 2 years. Tourists do not have to reapply if they return to the UK during that time, unless they get a new passport.