Electronic Travel Authorisation for travel to the UK
In some cases a migrant needs an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to come to the UK as a visitor. There are two such schemes: one scheme is for non-visa nationals generally (ie those who do not require a visa to visit the UK) and the other scheme is for visa nationals who are citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states.
In neither case does the migrant require a visa: in the first case a non-visa national does not require a visa to visit the UK (well, obviously) and in the second case there is the unusual situation where a visa national does not require a visa to the UK but requires an ETA instead. Bearing in mind the low cost of an ETA (£20) this gives such migrants a financial advantage – and also the application is faster.
What is an Electronic Travel Authorisation?
An ETA is not classified as a visa but it is something very like a visa. As with a visa the application is made online to the Home Office. The applicant has to answer various questions and pay a fee online. However, the range of questions is very limited compared to for example a visitor visa: the questions are all about criminality and adverse history, eg adverse immigration history. The ETA is a virtual document that comes on the cloud, like an eVisa.
If you are an affected migrant you will need to get an ETA to get on to the airliner and get to the airport in the UK – although in some cases the mode of transport might be ship or train.
The ETA only enables the migrant to reach airside at the airport; the migrant will then have to apply for leave to enter through the border – indeed as is usual.
Who needs an Electronic Travel Authorisation to travel to the UK?
Non-visa nationals and citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
How much does an Electronic Travel Authorisation cost?
£20 – and rather cheaper than a standard visitor visa, which costs £135.
How long does an Electronic Travel Authorisation application take?
Probably no more than a few days and sometimes less.
How long does an Electronic Travel Authorisation last?
An ETA is granted for two years. It is linked to the migrant’s passport via the passport number. As long as they keep the same passport for two years they can use the ETA multiple times to enter the UK. However, if the migrant changes their passport (for whatever reason) they must get a new ETA if they wish to travel.
What if my Electronic Travel Authorisation application is refused?
You might be in difficulties here; this apparently indicates that there is something on your record that the Home Office does not like. If this happens you can if you wish then apply for a visitor visa (non-visa nationals are permitted to apply for a visitor visa if they want to or need to) but it seems likely that this application might be refused as well. In this situation we advise that you take specialist legal advice.
Can GSN Immigration help with an Electronic Travel Authorisation application?
Yes, we can, and we can also give you advice about difficult situations. You can call and speak to our Immigration Lawyers team on +44 208 150 6709
Alternatively, you can email us at info@gsnimmigration.co.uk
