NEW VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR VISITORS TO THE UK
Part of the full service offered to my clients is providing a range of contacts to assist my clients. With clients visiting the UK from abroad it's important to keep them informed of the most up to date regulations as well as immigration advice. Recently Usman has been invaluable in assisting a client of mine who met their partner whilst on holiday and a relationship bloomed over a two year period, to ensure that they can legally enter and reside here and enjoy many more holidays together. For UK immigration assistance I can thoroughly recommend his no fuss, straight talking services.
Contact Usman Sheikh
www.ansar.london
+44 (0)20 8993 4990
What does ETA mean for you? ETA simply means Electronic Travel Authorisation, but what does that mean for you? It is not just another acronym to forget… Sometimes, the most memorable holidays are the ones spent right here in the UK, reconnecting with family and friends from overseas. However, a big change has occurred for people coming to the UK for their holidays. The Government has expanded the ETA scheme for MANY nationalities including those from the EU. Remember to tell your family and friends about the scheme if they are coming to the UK for a visit.
The ETA is not a visa. It works as a security measure for visitors to the UK, ensuring that they can be checked before they travel here. Once approved, it is electronically linked to the visitor’s passport. It is valid for visits of up to 6 months at a time over a 2-year period. It only costs £10 and should come through within 3 days of the application. You can reassure your family and friends that obtaining an ETA should generally be quick, cheap and easy. However, they will need to be comfortable with the digital process! They will normally apply for an ETA via the UK ETA app. For bookings made through myself I will assist with this and take the pressure away from you!
From 8th January 2025, many visitors from outside Europe will need one to be granted entry into the UK. This will include visitors from the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. From 02nd April 2025, many visitors from Europe – including the EU – will also need an ETA. Wherever your family and friends are from, remember to let them know! Don't get caught out.
However, remember that even with an ETA, rules on what visitors to the UK can or can’t do still apply. For most family holidays, this will not be an issue. Nevertheless, if you do have a relative or a friend planning to combine business with pleasure while they are visiting the UK, tell them to contact us first! Breaching immigration rules can have very serious consequences. It can certainly ruin a holiday …
For most people, the new requirement to obtain an ETA will have very little impact on their holidays to the UK. However, it should re-focus their attention on the Government’s control over the process of entering and visiting the UK. For some people, it will be crucial to seek professional guidance on their visit. You need to do your bit to ensure that your family or friend’s visit to the UK remains stress-free.
To apply for your ETA follow FCDO website advice
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta
