The UK has successfully issued 601,858 Electronic Travel Authorizations (ETAs) as of September 2024. This milestone marks significant progress in the government’s efforts to modernize border security.
Introduced earlier this year, the ETA is a digital pre-travel requirement for visitors from specific regions, such as Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
Specifically, applications first opened for Qatari nationals on October 25, 2023, followed by nationals of the other GCC nations. It aims to enhance safety while simplifying the entry process.
As of November 27, 2024, eligible non-European travelers visiting the UK from January 8, 2025 can start applying. Meanwhile, EU nationals may apply beginning March 5 for April 2, 2025 and onward travels to the UK.
About the UK ETA
ETAs are not visas but provide travel authorization for eligible individuals. They allow multiple trips to the UK for up to six months per visit within two years.
Applicants must pay £10 and complete a streamlined process online or through the UK ETA app. With decisions typically issued within three days, the system ensures efficiency for travelers and authorities alike.
Since the rollout, GCC visitors have formed a significant portion of ETA applicants. This group requires ETAs for trips to the UK, ensuring thorough pre-screening. The system collects biometric and biographic data, strengthening the UK’s ability to identify potential threats before they arrive. Notably, transit passengers also need ETAs, to prevent misuse of connecting flights to bypass travel authorization.
Notable ETA figures
According to the British government, the top nationalities that applied for a UK ETA included Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Kuwait. Next, the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and other countries followed.
Moreover, the United Kingdom documented 130.9 million arrivals in 2024 thus far. Among these, 55 percent were returning British nationals, while the remaining 45 percent were overseas visitors. These foreign visitors traveled to the UK for reasons such as visiting family, work, or studies. The trend illustrates a dip versus previous years, amid an uptick in illegal arrivals and political reasons.
The milestone reflects the UK’s strategy to align with international best practices. Other countries, like the US and Australia, have adopted similar systems to secure their borders and streamline travel. The UK’s version stands out for its affordability and simplicity, encouraging compliance among eligible travelers.
Issuance of UK visas
In addition, the British government has issued 1.1 million non-visit or transit visas from January to September 2024. This showed a 26 percent decline in the same visa types for the same period in 2023. On the other hand, the figure increased by 46 percent versus the same period in 2019. Specifically, UK authorities issued 453,056 work visas, 443,854 study visas, 86,942 family visit visas, and 90,709 other visas.
ETAs are a cornerstone of the UK’s immigration strategy. They align with broader efforts to enhance border security and streamline entry processes. By leveraging technology, the government is paving the way for smarter, more secure travel.
This milestone underscores the ETA’s role in modernizing travel to the UK. With further expansions planned, the system is set to become an integral part of global travel.
Photo by Fábio Mauro on Unsplash
