Clojurians Log v2
events
âšī¸ Travelling to the UK for events may now require https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta) if you were not issued a passport by the British Government. Most countries are covered by the ETA and it should take around 3 days to complete and costs 16 GBP. This must be done before travelling to the UK. For some countries, the ETA may replace the need for a visa application if not visiting the UK for work (so would be easier and cheaper). Please check the UK Goverment website to review what each country requires.
Are we pulling up the drawbridge now?
The UK decided to 'pull up the drawbridge' in 2016 but legislation and projects take time to catch up. The ETA may make it easier for people who previously needed to apply for a visa (an expensive process) to visit the UK (but not work here). But there are still a few countries that require a visa. However, the ETA does add an extra step for almost everyone visiting the country. Edit: It is a similar scheme used by the USA (ESTA) and is also being adopted by European Union (EU) countries (ETIAS) at the end of 2026.
Deep sigh...
My wife & I had to complete ETAs before we went there in January. It's easy to do online.
I'm guessing it's like the ESTA for visiting USA?
Yes. UK > ETA, USA > ESTA, EU > ETIAS
Australia has a similar thing. It feels just like an eVisa
Be careful conflating a visa with an ETA. A visa usually allows a person to work in another country. An ETA will not allow you to work. Note: If you travel on an ETA to the UK and you tell customs you are here for work they wont let you into the country.
Same for the ESTA in the USA of course.