The United Kingdom has expanded its visa-waiver entry system, effective from Wednesday, to include visitors from dozens of additional countries, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.

The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, comparable to the U.S. ESTA program, now requires travelers from visa-exempt countries to secure prior authorization before entering the UK.

Costing ?10 ($12.50) and valid for multiple visits of up to six months each over a two-year period, the scheme was initially rolled out in 2023 for Qatar. It was later extended to five neighboring Gulf states last year.

This latest phase broadens eligibility to citizens from approximately 50 more countries and territories, including Argentina, Brazil, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and several Caribbean nations. Eligible travelers have been able to apply for an ETA since November 2023, with the requirement coming into effect this week.

Designed to enhance border security, the scheme will be further extended to EU and European countries starting April 2, with applications for those travelers opening on March 5. The ETA is digitally linked to the applicant?s passport.

The UK government estimates that around six million visitors from the United States, Canada, and Australia arrive annually. Under the new rules, all eligible travelers?including children and infants?must obtain an ETA even for transit through the UK en route to another destination.

Heathrow Airport has criticized the initiative, arguing that it has reduced the number of transit passengers and negatively impacted the UK?s competitiveness and economic growth.

The new entry requirements do not apply to British or Irish citizens, passport holders from British overseas territories, or legal residents of the UK. It also leaves visa requirements unchanged for citizens of countries like China, Ecuador, and South Africa, who still need a visa to enter Britain.

Previously, most visitors from visa-exempt nations could travel to the UK with just their passports, without the need for prior authorization.

The UK?s ETA system closely resembles the upcoming European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which will require visa-exempt travelers visiting 30 European countries?including France and Germany?to secure a travel permit. Costing ?7 ($7.40) and valid for three years, the European scheme is expected to launch later this year and will apply to nationals from around 60 countries, including the US, Canada, Brazil, and the UK. (Nigerian Tribune)

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