UK Launches New Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) System for Visitors — What Travellers Must Know

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The United Kingdom has officially rolled out its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system today, marking a major change in how visitors enter the country. The new requirement applies to travellers who do not need a visa to visit the UK, including tourists, transit passengers, and short-term visitors.

The move is part of the UK government’s plan to strengthen border security, improve traveller screening, and modernise entry procedures.

Who Needs the ETA?

As of today, the ETA is required for:

✅ Citizens of Qatar (already in force)

✅ Citizens of Jordan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and UAE (from 2024 rollout)

✅ More countries, including EU nationals, Canadians, Australians, and others, will be added throughout 2025

Ghanaian travellers still require a visa, so the ETA does not replace visa applications for them.

However, Ghanaian passengers transiting through the UK may be affected in the future when the system expands.

What Is the ETA?

The ETA functions similarly to systems used in:

  • USA: ESTA
  • Canada: eTA
  • Europe: upcoming ETIAS

Travellers must apply online before flying and receive digital approval linked to their passport.

Key Features of the UK ETA

🔹 Apply online or via mobile app

🔹 Cost: £10 per applicant

🔹 Valid for 2 years or until passport expires

🔹 Multiple entries allowed

🔹 Required even for transit passengers

Processing times are expected to take minutes to 3 days, according to UK authorities.

Government Statement

The UK Home Office says the new system will:

“Strengthen border security and allow the UK to know more about those seeking to travel before they arrive.”

Officials believe the system will help screen travellers for security risks ahead of arrival.

Concerns Raised

Travel industry experts warn that:

  • Some passengers may be denied boarding if they forget to apply
  • Airlines may face confusion during the early rollout
  • Transit passengers may be unexpectedly affected

Tourism groups have also expressed concerns that added requirements may discourage spontaneous short trips.

What Travellers Should Do

Passengers planning to visit or transit through the UK are advised to:

✅ Check whether their nationality requires an ETA

✅ Apply early before travelling

✅ Ensure passport validity matches ETA requirements

Impact on Africa

Travel analysts suggest the system may later expand to African travellers who currently do not need visas for short UK visits, but no official timeline has been announced.

For Ghanaian travellers, the requirement remains unchanged: a visa is still mandatory for entry.

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