The United Kingdom has announced the strict enforcement of a new travel regulation for foreign nationals. Under the new rules, travelers from 85 countries will now be required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before traveling to the UK. Those who fail to secure this authorization will not be allowed to enter the country.
According to the UK Home Office, the new system has come fully into effect as of today. The system is known as the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).
Reuters reports that under this system, even individuals who previously did not require a visa to travel to the UK must now apply online and obtain travel authorization prior to departure. The fee for the permit has been set at £16, which is approximately $21 or around 6,000 Pakistani rupees.
The scheme was first introduced in 2023 and was later extended in April 2024 to include travelers from European countries.
However, it had not been strictly enforced until now. Starting February 25, full and strict implementation has begun.
The Home Office has clarified that passengers without an ETA, e-visa, or other valid travel documents will not be permitted by airlines to board flights to the UK.
British and Irish citizens are exempt from this requirement. Moreover, individuals who already have legal residency status in the UK will not need to obtain the authorization.
