Preedee TeoOn 10 Sep 2024, the UK government announced a list of nationalities that will need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) when travelling to the UK. For the affected countries, the application dates for the ETA will start on different dates depending on the nationalities. Singaporeans travelling to the UK will need to obtain an ETA starting from 8 Jan 2025.
Also read: Travellers Going to Europe Will Need to Pay for ETIAS Visa Waiver in 2025
Passengers not entering the UK must also apply for an ETA
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Whether you are travelling to the country on land, air or sea, you will need to apply for an ETA. This also includes passengers who are merely entering for a layover or changing flights in the UK without entering the country.
Those who are travelling via trains connecting the UK and France will also need an ETA.
Application for the ETA will cost 10 pounds (S$17) and a total of 83 territories will be affected by this new requirement, including nationals from the European Union, the United States, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Malaysia.
Passengers travelling with their babies and children will have to apply for an ETA for them as well.
Are you affected by this new measure and planning to travel to the UK soon? Do take note that those from affected countries in East Asia and the European Union can apply for an ETA on the following dates respectively: 27 Nov 2024 and 5 Mar 2025.
Now that my ETA application is successful, what’s next?
Once your application is successful, there are several entitlements and restrictions concerning the ETA which you should take note of to help plan your trip accordingly:
You can
- Live up to six months in the UK for tourism, visiting family and friends, business or short-term study.
- For those transiting in the UK, the ETA allows you to do a layover and/or change flights.
You cannot
- Stay in the UK for more than six months
- Stay in the UK permanently with the ETA through successive applications and multiple visits
For more information on the ETA, visit the official website of the UK government.
Concerns regarding this new measure
The UK’s minister for migration and citizenship, Seema Malhotra, stated that the expansion of the ETA is part of the country’s commitment to enhancing security through new technology and implementing a modern immigration system. She added that digitisation will streamline the border experience for millions of travellers and contribute to the UK’s tourism economy.
However, Heathrow Airport, the UK’s largest airport, has expressed concerns about the impact of the ETA on its hub competitiveness. According to a news report, Heathrow has lost 90,000 transfer passengers on flights to and from the seven Middle Eastern countries that have been under the ETA scheme since 2023. The airport urged the government to reconsider the inclusion of airside transit passengers in the ETA requirement.
Also read: 15 Annoying Things Passengers Do on Planes (& What You Should Do Instead)
The introduction of the ETA for travellers to the UK marks a significant change in immigration policies. While it aims to enhance security and improve the border experience, it has raised concerns about its potential impact on tourism and airport operations. As the implementation of the ETA approaches, travellers from affected countries are advised to familiarise themselves with the application process, requirements, and entitlements to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey to the UK.
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