If you are planning to visit the United Kingdom (UK) anytime soon, you need to be aware of the new travel rule that will take effect from November 15, 2023. The UK has announced that all visitors, except British and Irish nationals, will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before they enter or transit through the country.
The ETA is a digital permit that will be linked to your passport and will allow you to visit the UK for up to six months for various purposes, such as tourism, business, family visits, or short-term study. You will need to apply online for the ETA before you book your travel to the UK. The ETA will be valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
The new travel rule applies to everyone who was previously eligible to visit the UK without a visa and not already legally resident in the UK. This includes Nigerians and other citizens of countries that are not part of the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA).
The UK Home Office said that the ETA will help them improve border security and streamline the entry process for visitors. They also warned that travelers with valid visas may not be allowed to board without a valid ETA, as they will need both documents to enter the UK.
The UK Home Office said in a statement: “The UK travel requirements are changing. Except for British and Irish citizens, everyone, including children who enter or transit through the UK, will soon require permission before they travel.
"This means that if you were previously eligible to visit the UK without a visa and not already legally resident in the UK, you will need an electronic travel authorization (ETA), your stay must be shorter than six months and could include tourism or visiting family and friends, transit, business, and short term study.
"You don’t have to print out your ETA, but you might want to keep the confirmation email as proof for your own reference. The ETA only allows you to travel to the UK, not to enter it. You will still have to go through passport control at the border to get into the UK. Make sure you use the same passport that you applied for your ETA with and that it is valid for your entire stay.”
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