by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 6:05 PM ET, Tue June 13, 2023
Come next year, the United Kingdom will start charging visitors a nominal entry fee.
The nations intend to roll out an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) requirement in 2024 that will cost £10, which amounts to about $12.50.
According to the UK government page, the ETA is a new requirement for people who do not need a visa to come to the UK. Having the ETA gives visitors permission to travel to the UK, and will be electronically linked to each individual’s passport.
Travelers who will require an ETA to visit the United Kingdom include:
- Those who plan to visit for up to six months for tourism, to spend time with family or friends, to conduct business, or to study.
- Individuals who plan to come to the UK for up to three months on what’s known as the Creative Worker visa concession.
- Travelers who simply transiting through the UK—including if you’re not even going through UK border patrol as part of that transit.
The new fee however, does not apply to all travelers. Individuals who have a British or Irish passport will not require the ETA. And those who have permission to live, work, or study in the UK or who have a visa to enter the UK, are all excluded from the newly announced requirement.
Additionally, the UK government website says individuals who are legally a resident in Ireland, and do not need a visa to visit the UK, will not need an ETA if entering the UK from either:
- Ireland
- Guernsey
- Jersey
- Isle of Man
London Bridge, United Kingdom (Photo via Getty Images)
How to Obtain an ETA
Travelers who will require an ETA to visit the UK come 2024 will need to apply on the UK ETA app, or online on GOV.UK. Individuals can also apply on behalf of others, according to the website.
Each traveller must have their own ETA, including children and babies—meaning you’ll need to pay the fee for each and every traveler.
It’s also worth noting that it can take as long as three working days to get an ETA approval (or rejection) depending on your application specifics.
“You’ll usually get a decision within 3 working days, but you may get a quicker decision,” says the UK government website. “It may take longer than 3 working days if we need to make further checks.”
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