Major change for Aussies travelling to the UK – and it’s going to hurt your wallet
Australians traveling to Britain will be required to register and pay for a new digital screening document before traveling from early next year.
The British government has added Australia to the list of countries requiring a British Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).
The ETA is not a visa, but a digital permission to travel to Great Britain for visitors who previously did not require a visa.
Previously, this was only required for travelers coming from different countries in the Middle East.
The measure has been extended to other countries including Australia, New Zealand, the US, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan, Canada, Norway and Mexico.
Australian travelers must apply to the UK government website or the UK ETA mobile app, available on Apple and Android smartphones.
The cost is £10 (approximately AUD$20) and the ETA is valid for two years or until the passport expires.
Applications for an ETA opened on Wednesday, but are only required for Australian travelers arriving in Britain from January 8.
The UK government has added Australia to the list of countries requiring a UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) (stock image)
An ETA allows multiple trips to the United Kingdom and allows stays of up to six months per trip.
ETA must be approved before boarding a flight to Great Britain, and most applicants will receive a response within three working days.
The requirements for an ETA are a valid Australian passport, digital photo and a credit or debit card for payment.
Applicants must also answer a series of personal questions.
Australians with dual British or Irish citizenship do not need an ETA when traveling with their British passport, Irish passport or any other passport containing a certificate of entitlement.
In 2023, visitors from Australia, the US and Canada contributed £8.8 billion (AUD$17 billion) to the UK economy.
Minister for Migration and Citizenship, MP Seema Malhotra, said: ‘This expansion of ETA is an important step forward in achieving a border that is efficient and fit for the digital age.’
‘Through light screening before people set foot in Britain, we are keeping our country safe and ensuring visitors have a smooth travel experience.’