Shock new change coming for Aussies travelling to the UK – and it’s going to cost you
Australians will soon need to apply for permission to enter the UK.
From April 2025, all travellers who do not require a visa for the UK will be required to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before arriving abroad.
The measure is an extension of a scheme first launched in November last year, which requires citizens of countries where a visa is not required for the UK to apply for an ETA.
The British government announced on Wednesday that the scheme will be extended to travellers from non-European countries, including Australia.
Applications for an ETA will open on November 27, 2024, but you will not be required to travel until January 8, 2025.
From April 2025, all visitors, including children, will need an ETA to travel to the UK.
The ETA costs £10 (Australian Dollar) each and entitles the holder to multiple trips to the UK of up to six months, spread over two years.
Visitors can apply for an ETA via the UK ETA app. Once the application is approved (usually within three working days), the document will be linked to the traveller’s passport.
Australian travellers who do not require a visa for the UK will be required to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before arriving overseas from April 2025 (stock image)
Applications for an ETA will open on 27 November 2024, but you will not be required to travel until 8 January 2025. All travellers will need an ETA by April 2025 (stock image)
British and Irish citizens do not need an ETA to enter the UK.
Migration and Citizenship Minister Seema Malhotra said the move would improve security and modernise immigration in line with the US and Australia.
She said the new process would “provide a seamless experience for the millions of people who cross the border each year”.
Australia requires British passport holders to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization. The authorization itself is free, but you will have to pay $20 to use the app.
The authorization ticket is digitally attached to the passport and obtained via an app.
A UK permit costs £10 ($19.66 on Wednesday) and allows travel to the UK for up to six months at a time, spread over two years or until the holder’s passport expires, whichever comes first.
More coming soon.