If 2024 was the year travelers dodged the bureaucracy for visa-free travel to Europe, 2025 will be the year changes come to light. Now, Brazilians and travelers from 48 countries can request the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) valid for the United Kingdom, from this Wednesday (8).
Electronic Travel Authorization is a new digital registration scheme for travelers who do not need a visa to enter the UK.
Previously, these visitors could board a flight and present themselves at passport control upon arrival, but now they will need to obtain prior authorization to travel to the UK.
Here’s what you need to know about the new rules:
Who needs the ETA?
Anyone who does not need a visa to travel to the United Kingdom will soon need an ETA — an “electronic travel authorization” that allows entry into the country before traveling. It is the British equivalent of the United States’ ESTA — a mandatory, paid authorization with a security check carried out in advance.
The scheme launches for Gulf Cooperation Council citizens in 2024, with the next phase being to expand it to other non-European travelers – including the six million tourists from the United States, Canada and Australia who visit the UK annually. The complete list of 48 countries that require ETA can be found at British government official website.
Travelers from these countries will need an ETA to enter the UK from January 8th. The only exception is European Union citizens, who will need an ETA to enter from April 2, 2025.
Citizens of these countries who already reside in the UK do not need an ETA.
The scheme is for “short visits” to the United Kingdom, for up to six months, for tourism and business. There are other ETA categories, including for short-term studies and permitted work. These are listed on the official UK government website.
Is ETA a visa?
Although some people are referring to this as a visa, in fact, the ETA is a visa exemption. Travelers from countries that still require a visa to enter the UK will continue to need to apply for a visa. They, however, will not need to apply for the ETA.
Countries adopt reciprocity on immigration issues. When the United States introduced ESTA in 2009, it was inevitable that countries subject to this system would create their own similar schemes.
How to obtain ETA?
THE cost is £10 (around R$76 at the current rate), and you can request it through the official app listed on the UK government website or directly online.
The apps — for iPhone and Android — are faster, with processing times of around 10 minutes . Make sure you apply through official channels rather than third-party sites, which may charge extra fees and are less secure in handling your data.
You will need to upload a photo of your passport, take a selfie while applying, upload the photo, and answer several questions about your plans. The online process takes about 20 minutes and must be done in one go — there is no option to save and continue later.
Typically, the decision is given within three days — although the government warns that this may take longer. You can travel to the UK whilst awaiting the decision if you need to visit urgently; however, you must have made the request before traveling.
It is worth remembering that having an ETA does not guarantee entry to the UK . You will still need to go through passport control, and Border Force officers have the final say on your entry into the country.
How long will the ETA be valid?
The ETA is valid for two years, with multiple entries — meaning you can visit the United Kingdom as many times as you wish within that period. However, it will be digitally linked to your passport. Therefore, if you renew your passport during this period, the ETA will no longer be valid and you will need to apply for a new one.
Can families get a joint ETA?
Every person entering the UK needs their own ETA, including children and even babies. However, you can make the request on behalf of someone else.
Does this mean I can stay as long as I want?
The ETA is only valid for short stays of up to six months.
What if I’m just transiting through the UK? Do I still need the ETA?
Anyone entering UK soil, even if just for a quick connection, will need an ETA. This is the same for travelers transiting through the US, who also need ESTA. You will not be allowed to pass through passport control into the transit area without the ETA.
Does this also cover my entry into Europe?
To enter Europe, you will need ETIAS — the EU travel exemption, which has also been long delayed but is expected to begin in 2025. Stay tuned for more details as the countdown approaches.
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The post Brazilians can now request travel authorization to the United Kingdom; see how it first appeared on CNN Brasil V&G.
Source: CNN Brasil
Johanna Foster is an expert opinion writer with over 7 years of experience. She has a reputation for delivering insightful and thought-provoking articles on a variety of subjects. Her work can be found on some of the top online news websites, and she is currently lending her voice to the world stock market.
