One more travel authorization is coming… now the UK will require this type of permit to enter the country likewise some other territories have already done such as ESTA for the US, eTA for Canada, ETIAS – SEIAV for EU Schengen space, Australia eVisitor, New Zealand NZeTA, and now eTA UK for the United Kingdom.

The UK government is amending section 40 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 to encourage carriers to comply with this new regulation and ensure all travelers hold UK eTA when boarding the plane or any other form of permission including visa or an electronic immigration status, risking a civil penalty otherwise.

This future electronic travel authorization eTA UK is considered by the government as a universal permission to travel, in order to fill the existing gap of advanced permissions to the United Kingdom, and it is being regulated through the Nationality and Borders Bill. The Bill will set the eTA scheme which includes: who must apply, grounds to approve/refuse an eTA, questions in the application, validity and cost of fee. Spanish citizens along with all the rest of EEA countries will require to have the electronic permit when check-in for travel.

The plan to be fully implemented is by the end of 2024. It is very important to take into consideration the fact that it will be necessary even for connecting flights. London is one of the largest connecting hubs to the world with 6 different airports: Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, Southend and City.

Let´s wait and see how this new travel authorization looks like and be ready for more airport controls for our own security and benefit.