The ETA will first be a requirement for Qatari visitors, followed by Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan from February. The Home Office said the scheme “will strengthen security at the border and improve travel for visitors to the UK”.
The scheme’s introduction comes after the European Union laid out plans for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias) for UK visitors following Brexit, which will be introduced in 2024, costing €7.
The US also requires a similar Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) for all UK visitors costing $21.
