UK Home Secretary Priti Patel confirmed the upcoming changes to UK visa policy. She stated that the new ETA system will provide the government with more accurate migration information, security, and will improve UK border control.
By 2025 the UK will be introducing (ETA) system for both non-visa nationals and visa nationals. It is an online application that will allow the Home Office to check an applicant across various international security databases before they can enter the UK. And will be valid for 24 months.
If the person has not committed a crime, they will be allowed entry to the UK. If they are flagged for a criminal offence in the UK or internationally, their application will be reviewed before they are be authorised to enter at their point of entry.
The new electronic permit system will be a requirement for those visiting the UK for a short period or transiting through the UK to another country. This includes visitors from countries that do not need a visa to enter or transit through the UK such as the USA, Australia, and members of the EU. If you intend to work in the UK or stay for a longer period (more than six months), you will need to apply for the appropriate visa instead of an electronic permit.
The UK is following in the footsteps of the USA in the implementation of an electronic (Security) border control system (ESTA). The EU is also planning on introducing its own system by 2022– European Travel Information and Authorisation System.
