THE AFRICAN COURIER. Reporting Africa and its Diaspora! The African Courier is an international magazine published in Germany to report on Africa and the Diaspora African experience. The first issue of the bimonthly magazine appeared on the newsstands on 15 February 1998. The African Courier is a communication forum for European-African political, economic and cultural exchanges, and a voice for Africa in Europe.
The UK has announced the introduction of a mandatory Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for European Union nationals. Similar to the US ESTA program, the new system will require EU travellers to obtain a digital travel permit before entering the UK, starting from 2 April 2025. Here’s what you need to know about the scheme:
The application process is generally quick and simple, with most applicants receiving an automatic decision within minutes when applying through the UK ETA app, though travellers are advised to allow up to three working days in case of further review. Important to know is that an ETA does not guarantee entry, as travellers must still pass through UK border control upon arrival.
Starting from 10:00 GMT on Wednesday, EU citizens can apply for the ETA, which will become compulsory for short visits from 2 April 2025.
Key Features of the ETA:
– Cost: The application fee is currently £10 (12 euros, $12.70), but is set to increase to £16 in the future.
– Validity: An ETA is valid for two years or until the holder’s passport expires, whichever comes first, and permits multiple visits of up to six months each.
– Application Requirements: Applicants need to provide biographic and biometric information, including a valid photo, and answer a set of background questions.
– If successful, the ETA is digitally linked to the applicant’s passport.
The UK’s introduction of the ETA requirement for travellers who do not currently need a visa for short stays, or who do not already have a UK immigration status, began in 2023 with Qatar and was later extended to other Gulf nations. In January 2024, the scheme was expanded to include nationals from approximately 50 additional countries, such as Argentina, South Korea and New Zealand.
According to the UK Home Office, nearly 1.1 million ETAs were issued by the end of 2024.
Travellers transiting airside without entering the UK are exempt from the ETA requirement. However, only Heathrow and Manchester airports offer airside transit facilities, meaning passengers transiting through other major hubs like Gatwick and Stansted will need an ETA, as these airports require international travellers to undergo border security checks. Heathrow is Europe’s busiest airport and it handled nearly 84 million passengers in 2024, with a third originating from the EU.
The ETA scheme is part of the UK’s broader strategy to modernise its border infrastructure and enhance security while streamlining entry processes for millions of visitors annually.
How can people apply for an ETA?
– Information on who can get an ETA and how to apply before coming to the UK is available on GOV.UK
– The easiest way to apply for an ETA is through the ‘UK ETA app’, which can be downloaded from the Google Play or Apple App Store.
– People can apply on GOV.UK if they do not have access to a smartphone.
Sola Jolaoso
