UK updates travel requirements, explains why only Visas can’t guarantee entry

*The United Kingdom Home Office explains the new travel regulation implies that Nigerian Visa applicants, and other citizens wishing to travel to the UK need an Electronic Travel Authorisation cards before they enter or transit through the European country

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

The United Kingdom (UK) has announced that Nigerians and other citizens, except British and Irish nationals, wishing to enter the country must apply for Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).

ConsumerConnect reports the UK Home Office noted this in its updated travel requirements for travellers wishing to enter the European country.

The new rule becomes effective from November 15, 2023, and applies to everyone, including children.

By implication, the UK new travel rule requires all visa applicants wishing to travel to the UK need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) cards before they enter or transit through the country.

The UK Home Office also explained that persons who need the travel permit are those who are previously eligible to visit the UK without a visa and not already legally resident in the UK.

Listed for ETA are those on visits shorter than six months, business people, tourism, and those visiting family and friends. Applicants are required to apply online before booking any travel to the UK.

Once granted, it will be valid for multiple journeys over two years or until the passport one is applying with expires.

The UK Home Office, in a statement said that travellers with valid visas may not be allowed to board without a valid ETA, as the ETA is digitally linked to travellers’ passports.

The Home Office said: “The UK travel requirements are changing.

“Except for British and Irish citizens, everyone, including children who enter or transit through the UK, will soon require permission before they travel.

The statement noted: “This means that if you were previously eligible to visit the UK without a visa and not already legally resident in the UK, you will need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA),.

“Your stay must be shorter than six months, and could include tourism or visiting family and friends, transit, business, and short term study.

“You do not need to show a paper copy, but it may be helpful to prove the confirmation email for your own records while an ETA grants you permission to travel to the UK, it does not grant you entry.”

The UK Home Office further stated: “So, you would still need to go through passport control at the border to enter the UK.

“Make sure you show the same passport you used to apply for your ETA and that your passport is valid for the whole of your stay.”

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