4 de December de 2024

Everything you need to know about the new visa to enter the United Kingdom

From January 8, 2025 , citizens of Chile and other non-European nations who previously did not require a visa to visit the United Kingdom will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization ( ETA ).

The implementation of ETA is part of the British government 's efforts to digitize its border processes and strengthen migration security . Since November 2023 , the program has been gradually introduced in countries such as Bahrain , Jordan , and Kuwait , and will be extended to European citizens in April 2025 .

Furthermore, this requirement will also apply to those traveling in transit through the country.

What is the ETA for entering the United Kingdom?

More than a visa , the ETA is an electronic permit linked to travelers' passports that facilitates security checks before entering the UK . Similar to the US ESTA , this system collects biographical , biometric , and contact information from visitors, including a photograph of their face .

The permit will cost £10 (approximately USD 13.20 ) and will be valid for two years or until the passport expires. It will allow multiple visits to the UK for periods of up to six months .

Although most applications will be processed within three days , some cases may take longer. If your application is rejected, you will need to apply for a visa .

Requirements and how to apply for the ETA

Those interested should submit their application through the official UK ETA app or website . This process requires:

A valid passport .
Access to email .
A credit or debit card for payment.
Photographs of the applicant's passport and face.

The application is also available for minors , and every traveler, regardless of age, must have an ETA .

This is the link to access the official UK Government website .

Benefits and limitations

Using facial recognition technology and digital controls , the UK aims to reduce border queues, create contactless corridors , and prevent abuses within the immigration system . However, having an eTA does not automatically guarantee entry, as the final decision rests with Border Force officers .

What you can do with an ETA:

Visiting the United Kingdom for tourism , business or short-term studies (up to six months ).
To undertake a permitted paid commitment .
Traveling in transit , even without going through border control .

What you can't do with an ETA:

Working or living in the United Kingdom .
Claim public benefits .
Getting married or registering a civil union without a specific visitor visa .

Exceptions

The ETA will be mandatory for all travelers from countries without a visa-free agreement, except in the following cases:

British or Irish citizens .
Residents in the United Kingdom with valid permits.
People with passports from British Overseas Territories .
Travelers from Ireland , Guernsey , Jersey or the Isle of Man .

Citizens with dual nationality that includes British or Irish nationality must use their passport of those nationalities to enter.

Preparing for your trip to the United Kingdom and what to see

An ETA will be required to plan visits to the UK from 2025 onwards. If you have a trip planned around that time, make sure you meet the requirements , apply for your authorization well in advance, and stay up to date on the latest immigration regulations .

This change, although it introduces a new procedure, promises to improve the entry experience for visitors and reinforces the UK 's commitment to the security and technological modernization of its borders.

London , with its iconic Clock Tower , better known as Big Ben , and the mystique of the Thames , marks the beginning of an unforgettable journey. Glasgow , in Scotland , unfolds its artistic soul at the Gallery of Modern Art , while Edinburgh transports you to medieval times with its imposing castle and the legends of the Royal Mile .

In York , the historic city walls and majestic York Minster tell centuries of history. To the north, Inverness , the gateway to the Highlands , promises breathtaking scenery and the thrill of searching for Nessie in Loch Ness . Londonderry , in Northern Ireland , captivates with its well-preserved walls and vibrant culture . Ready to discover the UK ?