Travelers will need permission to visit the United Kingdom

Travelers will soon need permission and to pay a fee to visit the United Kingdom under a new digital system. The British government has introduced an “Electronic Travel Authorization” (ETA), which requires visitors to apply online and pay a fee of around $13.

“Anyone wanting to visit the U.K., except British and Irish citizens, must get permission before traveling,” the government website states. The ETA will be linked to a traveler’s passport, helping speed up security checks and prevent misuse of the immigration system. In 2023, there were 38 million visits to the U.K., up by 6.7 million from 2022, according to the U.K. Office for National Statistics.

To apply, travelers will need to fill out an online form with their passport information, travel plans, email address, and payment details. There will also be some basic questions about eligibility. The ETA will be needed for visits up to six months, whether for tourism, visiting family and friends, business, or short-term study.

Migration and Citizenship Minister Seema Malhotra said the ETA shows the U.K.’s commitment to improving security with new technology while making the immigration process smoother. The system will help manage the millions of visitors. It is  expected to contribute over £32 billion to the U.K.’s tourism industry this year. The ETA system will expand to all nationalities (except Europeans) in November and will be mandatory for entry starting in April 2025.