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UK to add electronic entry permit

 

The UK has now joined the seeming world trend to add more electronic steps to travel with a plan, set for implementation later this year, to require all travelers—including those who don't need visas—to register online, pay a fee, and get an electronic 'Electronic Travel Authorization.'

The US has long had a similar requirement, along with Canada and others, and the EU is (after many delays) implementing its own ETIAS system this fall. Fees in various countries range from around $5 to $21, and the UK has not yet announced what it will charge.

The UK ETA will allow visitors up to 180 days in the UK, or up to two years with certain visas. No word yet on whether it will need to be shown to Border Force officers on entry, or will be checked by airlines and train operators before boarding.

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The last point is critically important. In Australia, when you get the American ESTA online it states quite clearly that you don’t have to carry a hard copy. And indeed you don’t need one for competent airlines. They recognise it in the system when you check in and it isn’t even discussed. But my wife and I recently flew Volaris - quite the worst airline I’ve ever flown on - returning from Costa Rica with a stopover in LA. They didn’t seem to know how ESTA works and kept demanding to see our visas. I’m super cautious when it comes to travel and always take hard copies of almost everything. It was the copies of our ESTA authorisations that saved us from being denied boarding. Without them I think we would still be in Costa Rica today!

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