Saint Lucian nationals will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation – ETA, to travel to the United Kingdom (UK) in 2025, British High Commissioner Scott Furssedonn-Wood said recently. The rule will also apply to other countries.
The ETA will cement the UK as a world leader in border security, the UK said earlier this year, and will enable a more efficient customer experience.
“This is not specific to Saint Lucia (and) the Caribbean, this is a global programme,” High Commissioner Furssedonn-Wood said Friday, adding that from January 8th, “Visitors to the UK will need to (apply) in advance. Once they have that Electronic Travel Authorization any traveller can travel to the UK multiple times for a two-year period staying for up to six months at a time.”
“It’s a system that’s used by many countries and most travellers will be familiar with it already. We recognise that it’s a change, particularly for people who are used to travelling to the UK so we want to make sure the information is out there early,” the High Commissioner said.
Individuals can start applying for the ETAs as soon as next week – from the 27th of November, but it’s important to note that “they’re not visas”, the High Commissioner stated.
“It’s a very simple system to use and we hope that it’ll make things as easy as possible for people. The important thing is we’re getting the information out there so that people understand what’s required and they can do what they need to do in good time,” he told reporters at a press conference.
But what happens if an individual fails to obtain an ETA?
According to the High Commissioner, “If you aren’t granted one of those electronic travel applications you then have to apply for a full visa to enter the United Kingdom, but for the vast majority of people it’s a simple process, the ETA will be granted quickly. It’s not even a piece of paper or a stamp on your passport it’s just digitally connected and your passport then gives you full access as you would be used to.”
He said individuals should be able to acquire an ETA in a matter of hours, but “it varies.”
The UK is charging £10 per person for the ETA and says the cost is comparable with similar international schemes.
In February of this year the website for the UK Government (GOV.UK) said the UK’s ETA scheme will broadly apply “to visitors who do not need a visa for short stays and who do not have any other UK immigration status prior to travelling to the UK.”
So how does the ETA help UK border security?
According to the website, “Those applying for an ETA provide their biographic, biometric and contact details, and answer a short set of suitability questions. This will increase our knowledge about those seeking to come to the UK and prevent the arrival of those who present a threat.”
“The Government’s number one priority is keeping the UK safe,” the website stated.