Travelling to the United Kingdom has become a little more formal for millions of visitors. The country has made its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system compulsory, which means people who earlier did not need a visa must now take online permission before starting their trip.
Under the new rule, travellers from many visa-free countries must fill out an online form, pay a fee and get approval before they board a flight, train or ferry to the UK. If they reach the airport without a valid ETA, airlines will not allow them to travel.
The ETA is not a visa. It is a digital pre-travel check that allows short visits of up to six months for tourism, business or meeting family and friends. Once approved, it is valid for two years and can be used for multiple trips, as long as the passport does not expire.
UK officials say the system will make the border more secure and entry faster. By checking travellers before they arrive, authorities can decide in advance who is allowed to enter the country. The system is similar to those already used by countries like the United States and Australia.
The rollout has been done in phases. It was first introduced for a few nationalities and later extended to European travellers. Now that the transition period is over, the permit has become mandatory for everyone who is eligible.
British and Irish citizens and people who already have a UK visa or residence permit do not need to apply for the ETA.
For travellers, the biggest change is that last-minute trips will be difficult. Even for a short holiday or a quick business visit, they will have to apply online in advance.
The UK government says most applications are approved within minutes. Still, the new system means that visa-free travel no longer means travelling without paperwork.
