In a significant move, the UK is set to implement an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system for travelers coming from Ireland, including Indian passport holders legally residing in Ireland. The ETA system will take effect from November 15, and it’s designed to electronically link individuals’ passports, a step following the US and the EU.
Notably, legal residents of Ireland, including citizens and IRP card holders, will not require an ETA to travel to the UK. However, they must provide documentation proving their legal residence.
The UK Home Office has issued a warning to those planning to travel via the UK to India or other countries, as the ETA requirement may complicate travel plans. The ETA system will be applicable for tourists, family and friends’ visits, business, and study purposes, granting permits for up to six months.
Starting in 2024, visitors requiring a visa will need to pay a €10 fee for a two-year ETA permit, with ETA becoming mandatory for all nationalities by the end of 2024. Applications for the ETA system have begun, initially open only to applicants from Qatar. The UK’s adoption of the ETA system represents a significant shift in border controls, aligning with global trends toward visa-free international travel.
The ETA permit, which takes 48 to 72 hours to process, allows multiple journeys and remains valid for two years or until the passport expires. This development marks a noteworthy change in travel procedures between Ireland and the UK.