- 12:50Moroccan pharmacists raise concerns over impending health reforms
- 12:20Morocco enhances military capabilities with SpyX drone acquisition
- 11:45Al Amoudi’s legal battle: Morocco stands firm against financial pressure
- 11:15Air Arabia Maroc launches direct flights from Nador to Murcia
- 10:45Al Barid Bank reports 196% profit increase for 2024
- 10:10GITEX Africa 2025: Spotlight on artificial intelligence in Morocco
- 09:45UEFA Rejects FIFA's Proposal for 64-Team World Cup in 2030
- 09:10Air Europa Resumes Flights to Marrakech: A Boost for Tourism
- 08:33ONMT promotes AFCON 2025 as a tourism opportunity for Morocco
-
Prayer times
RABAT2025-04-05
Follow us on Facebook
UK Implements Paid Electronic Travel Authorization for European Visitors
Starting April 2, European travelers heading to the United Kingdom must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) or a traditional visa for purposes such as work or study. The UK government introduced this digital permit to enhance border security by modernizing its immigration system. Travelers must secure their ETA before departure, and it will be checked at airports and train stations.
The ETA, which costs £10 (€12) but will increase to £16 (€19) from April 9, was already mandatory for visitors from over 50 countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. Applicants must complete an online questionnaire and submit passport and biometric details.
Phil Douglas, the head of UK Border Force, assured that the process is straightforward and will streamline entry procedures through automated border gates. Travelers can apply via the UK ETA mobile app or the government website. The permit allows multiple visits over two years, with each stay limited to six months. However, a new application is required if the passport changes.
A transitional period will last until September or October, allowing some leniency. After that, boarding a flight or train to the UK without an ETA will not be possible. The measure aligns with the UK’s commitment to reinforcing border security through digitalization.
First introduced in 2023 for Qatari citizens and later extended to Gulf nations, the ETA does not replace traditional visa requirements for travelers from certain regions, including Asia and Africa.
The European Union is also preparing to launch a similar system, known as ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System), for entry into 30 European countries, expected to take effect in 2026.
Comments (0)