In a move aimed at strengthening border security and gaining a better understanding of travelers entering the UK, the government has announced the introduction of a £10 (around $13) fee for all non-visa holders, including European citizens, CNN reports.
The new rule, which will be phased in over the next year, expands the UK’s electronic travel authorization (ETA) system, initially implemented for Qatari nationals. By next spring, the system will be fully operational, encompassing most travelers, with the exception of Irish citizens.
The non-refundable fee will apply to all visitors to the UK without a visa or permission to live, work, or study, including babies and children.
Currently, citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates are required to apply for an ETA prior to entering the UK. The program will be expanded in November to include most other nationals, including those from the United States.
“Once fully rolled out, the ETA scheme will close the current gap in advance permissions and mean that for the first time, we will have a comprehensive understanding of those traveling to the UK,” stated UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper.
This move follows the UK’s departure from the European Union in January 2020, highlighting the country’s efforts to establish its own border control mechanisms.
The UK’s decision mirrors similar initiatives implemented by other nations. The United States introduced its Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) in 2009, currently costing $21 and valid for two years. Similarly, the European Union’s ETIAS, set to launch in 2025, will cost travelers 7 euros (about $7.50) and be valid for three years.
