New UK travel document: €12 fee introduced for all visitors

Even though the United Kingdom is no longer in the European Union, it is still a popular travel destination for people worldwide. Currently, travelling to the UK is simple. A visa is not required; you only need a passport and basic documents. However, this is likely to change soon due to decisions made by the British government. Politicians want to prevent abuses of the immigration system as best they can. This means that travellers will need to purchase the appropriate document.

The British government wants to control who enters the country. The new mandatory document will cover countries involved in the visa-free regime. However, those interested in travelling to the UK can sigh relief. The mandatory paid document will not be very expensive. Politicians report that its cost will be just €12, or approximately €15.

The British government will introduce the changes gradually. They concern the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), a digital document. Initially, it will cover six countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council. Their citizens can apply for the document from 27 November to 8 January 2025; entering the United Kingdom without it will be impossible. Shortly afterwards, the requirement will cover European countries. It will be applied starting from 2 April, while from 5 March, it will be possible to submit the appropriate applications.

British authorities inform that the ETA will be digitally linked to the traveller's passport. A special app called UK ETAApp will be created. It will be possible to apply for the special document through this app. The issuance of the document is expected to take three business days. The ETA will be valid for two years or until the passport expires. Its holder will be able to travel to the UK multiple times or stay there for a maximum of six months.