Australians heading over to the United Kingdom will now need to apply for a digital permit.
From January 8, travellers will need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to visit England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.
The ETA costs 10 British pounds (roughly $A20) and must be completed before entering the UK.
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The ETA was rolled out to travellers from the Middle East before being introduced to all non-European travellers. It will replace the UK’s Electronic Visa Waiver scheme.
An approved permit is valid for two years or until the holder’s passport expires and allows as much travel as you’d like into the UK during that time.
Who needs an ETA?
Anyone travelling into the UK, including children and babies, requires an ETA to enter the UK now. The following types of travellers can use an ETA instead of a visa:
- Coming to the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business or short-term study,
- Coming to the UK for up to 3 months on the Creative Worker visa concession,
- Coming to the UK for a permitted paid engagement or,
- Transition through the UK – including if you are not going through UK border control.
Dual British or Irish citizens, those with an improved visa instead, British, Irish or British Overseas Territory citizens and those with permissions to live, work, or study in the UK do not need an ETA.
To apply for an ETA or to find out more, visit gov.uk