Millions of visitors who pass through the UK border every year will have to apply for a £10 Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for travel from January 8.
All eligible non-European visitors can apply for an ETA from today (Wednesday) and will need one to travel to the UK – including six million from the US, Canada and Australia.
Eligible Europeans, will need an ETA to travel to the UK from April 2, will be able to apply from March 5.
All travellers to the UK who do not need a visa for short stays and who do not already have a UK immigration status will need an ETA from April next year.
This expansion follows the need for ETAs for arrivals from Gulf Cooperation Council nations earlier this year.
More than 243,000 Gulf nationals were issued with ETAs in the first half of the year.
The government noted that ETAs, available via a dedicated app, will “enhance security through new technology and make the UK border more efficient”.
The Home Office said: “To ensure the smooth implementation of a digitised border, the UK government continues to work closely with the travel industry, including airline, maritime and rail carriers, and is delivering a communications campaign to reach visitors about the steps they need to take before they travel to the UK.”
An ETA permits multiple journeys and lasts for two years or until the holder’s passport expires, whichever is sooner.
Once granted the digital permission to travel is digitally linked to a traveller’s passport and allows for stays of up to six months at a time.
Migration and citizenship minister Seema Malhotra added: “This expansion of ETA is a significant step forward in delivering a border that’s efficient and fit for the digital age.
“Through light-touch screening before people step foot in the UK, we will keep our country safe while ensuring visitors have a smooth travel experience.”