Travel to the United Kingdom has become more expensive with the UK Home Office revising electronic travel authorisation (ETA) fees. Starting April 8, ETA charges have increased from £16 (approximately Rs 1,971) to £20 (around Rs 2,463), marking a 25% surge.
This increase comes just two months after the UK implemented extensive new entry protocols, requiring all global visitors, including those hailing from visa-exempt nations, to secure an ETA prior to their journey to the UK.
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What is ETA & who needs it?
An ETA is a virtual travel authorisation that grants access to the UK for tourism or family visits for durations of up to six months. It isn't classified as a visa or a tax but is now compulsory for eligible passengers passing through UK border control, including those on connecting flights via the country.
Effective February 25, travellers from 85 visa-waived countries, such as the United States, Canada, and France, were required to obtain an ETA before boarding any transportation to the UK.
Passengers transiting at Heathrow and Manchester airports without going through border control are temporarily exempt from this requirement.
Citizens of Britain and Ireland, including dual nationals, do not need an ETA. However, British dual nationals need to present a valid British passport or a Certificate of Entitlement, which costs £589, when entering the UK. As per the rule which came into effect in February, a non-British passport will no longer suffice.
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What changes for Indians after the increased ETA fee?
India is not on the list of countries with visa-free access to the UK. This means Indians must obtain both a visa and an ETA before their journey, introducing an additional step and cost to the travel process.
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