The United Kingdom is one of the most popular European destinations for Americans and Canadians, not only due to language but also deep cultural and historical ties – after all, North America was mostly settled by the Britons.
Though they will continue to be welcomed in the U.K. in the future, the country is set to change its entry rules from 2024, affecting all foreign visitors, including U.S. and Canada passport holders traveling as short-term tourists.
But how is exactly travel to Britain changing, and what can you expect if you’re a visitor?
Everything You Need To Know About The U.K.’s New Entry Rules
From 2024, the U.K. is finally launching its Electronic Travel Authorization scheme (alternatively spelled Authorisation in British variants of English), or ETA, a new entry permit applying to all foreigners who currently enjoy visa-free access to the country.
Essentially, unless they are holders of a valid ETA, Americans and Canadians will not be permitted to board U.K.-bound flights. Simply carrying a valid passport, and presenting it at the check-in desk, will no longer suffice.
Why is the U.K. tightening entry rules, and why are Americans and Canadians specifically affected?
First of all, electronic travel authorizations are not a novelty. They have been around for years, and though not that many Americans are aware, their own country requires a similar document of Brits, Europeans, and several other foreign nationals.
British citizens are forbidden from flying to the United States unless carrying a pre-approved ESTA, as well as their European counterparts. Canada is no different, having launched its own ETA upon the introduction of the States’ own system years ago.
Travel authorizations are also common in Australia, New Zealand, and across Asia, though the U.K. never enforced them – until now.
From 2024, the ‘biggest’ revamp of Britain’s immigration system the British Home Office has pursued ‘in several decades’ is set to take place, bringing the country in line with its Western counterparts.
The British ETA is only a series of measures aimed at strengthening the country’s outer borders, which includes the maintenance of strict checks between Britain and the European Union, more conservative anti-migration rhetoric, and less generous asylum policies.
It is surely an additional hurdle, but it is worth noting it is by no means a visitor visa. An ETA is a lot simpler to apply, as you will know if you have ever traveled to a country where similar systems are in place.
Unlike visas, which require you to submit documentation, attend an interview, pay a hefty fee, and surrender your passport, an ETA is a simplified online form easily filled-out in under ten minutes or less, where you’re asked a set of personal questions and your passport number.Travel authorizations are issued almost instantly as well, straight to your e-mail, and Britain’s will be no different.
According to the Home Office, we should in fact see this as good news, as it will ‘streamline’ the process of visiting the U.K. and ensure those who pose a threat are refused entry.