Australians travelling to Britain will find some changes to the process from early next year, with a new form to fill out and a fee to pay.
The Electronic Travel Authorisation already applies to countries such as Qatar, the UAE and Oman.
From next year it will be extended to Australians and other nations.
From January 8, visitors and tourists from most nations, including Australia, will have to complete an ETA before arriving. Done via an app, it costs $20.
Seema Malhotra, the UK’s minister for migration, said tourism was expected to contribute more than £32 billion ($62.8 billion) to the country’s economy.
By April 2025 all visitors who do not need a visa will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
From today, information about ETA eligibility is available on https://t.co/rB6h281erE pic.twitter.com/0hyINwyos1
— Home Office (@ukhomeoffice) September 10, 2024
“Digitisation enables a smooth experience for the millions of people who pass through the border every year,” she said.
“The worldwide expansion of the ETA demonstrates our commitment to enhancing security through new technology and embedding a modern immigration system.”
Those who are working, studying or living in the UK will instead access the country with an eVisa.
Visa questions
Australians travelling to Britain as tourists for less than six months normally don’t need a visa, but they will still have to complete the ETA form and pay the fee.
With an ETA, a traveller cannot spend longer than six months in Britain, do paid or unpaid work there, claim public funds or benefits, spend extended time in successive visits or register to marry someone.
Travellers can apply for the ETA through the UK government’s online portal or using the ETA app that is available on the Google Play and Apple stores.
They must provide contact and passport details, upload a valid ID, answer questions and pay the £10 fee.
“You’ll usually get a decision within three working days, but you may get a quicker decision,” the UK government said.
“Occasionally, it may take longer than three working days.”
The ETA lasts for two years and Australians can travel as many times as needed during that period, but will still be required to undergo border security.
Other countries that will use the ETA include New Zealand, Canada, the US and Japan.
London is a popular destination for Australians. Photo: Getty
New deal?
Although Australia signed a free trade agreement with Britain that came into effect from May 2023, the rollout of ETA to other countries is separate from that deal.
It allowed Australians under the age of 35 to stay in Britain for up to three years and introduced a pilot for skills exchanges between the two countries.