Visa alone cannot guarantee entry, "New law from 15 November 2023": UK

UK releases new entry requirements. UK says visa alone cannot guarantee entry.

The United Kingdom (UK) has updated its travel requirements for people wishing to enter the country. The new law will come into effect from November 15, 2023 and applies to everyone, including children.

The UK has announced that all nationals other than British and Irish nationals who wish to enter the country must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).

The new travel law states that all visa applicants wishing to travel to the UK will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) card before entering or transiting the country.

The UK Home Office said that those who were previously eligible to visit the UK without a visa and are not already legally resident in the UK should apply for a travel permit.

Visits of less than six months, businessmen, tourists, and those visiting family and friends are also listed for ETA. Applicants are required to apply online before booking any travel to the UK. Once granted, it is valid for multiple journeys over a period of two years or until the passport applied for expires.

The statement said: “UK travel requirements are changing. With the exception of British and Irish citizens, everyone, including children, entering or traveling through the UK will need permission immediately before travel.

"This means that if you are previously eligible to visit the UK without a visa and are not already legally resident in the UK, you will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), your stay must be less than six months, and may include tourism, visiting family or friends, transit, business, short term, study...

“You don't need to show a paper copy, but it may help to prove a confirmation email for your own documents, whereas an ETA gives you permission to travel to the UK, but it doesn't grant you entry. Therefore, you still need to go through passport control at the border to enter the UK.

They informed that you should make sure that you show the same passport that you used to apply for your ETA and that your passport is valid for your entire stay.

Who will need an ETA

If you’re from Qatar

You’ll need an ETA if you’re travelling to the UK on or after 15 November 2023. You’ll be able to apply from 25 October.

If you’re from Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates

You’ll need an ETA if you’re travelling to the UK on or after 22 February 2024. You’ll be able to apply from 1 February 2024.

If you’re from another country

You do not need to apply for an ETA now. More nationalities will be added to the scheme later.

Who will not need an ETA

You will not need an ETA if you have either:

• a British or Irish passport
• permission to live, work or study in the UK
• a visa to enter the UK

If you live in Ireland and you’re not an Irish citizen

You will not need an ETA if all of the following apply:

• you’re legally resident in Ireland
• you do not need a visa to enter the UK
• you’re entering the UK from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man

You can prove you live in Ireland by showing any of these:

• Irish driving licence
• Irish learner permit
• medical card
• GP visit card
• European Health Insurance Card
• Irish Residence Permit
• Permanent Residence Certificate
• Temporary Residence Certificate
• National Age Card

The document must be:

• an original
• issued by the Irish government
• valid at the time you travel

If you’re under 16, you will not be asked to show a document.

The UK Home Office said in a statement that passengers with a valid visa will not be allowed to board without a valid ETA as the ETA is digitally linked to the passenger's passport.

How to apply

👉 Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

You’ll need to apply on the UK ETA app, or online on GOV.UK. You can apply on behalf of others.