The United Kingdom has announced a significant update to its border and immigration system, introducing mandatory Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETA) for visitors from a list of 49 non-European countries and territories, including the Maldives. This change is part of the UK’s initiative to digitise its borders to enhance security and streamline the travel experience.
Key Highlights:
• Mandatory ETA for Maldivian Travellers: Starting from 8 January 2025, Maldivian citizens wishing to visit the UK will need to have an approved ETA before their journey.
• Application Opens in 2024: Maldivian nationals can begin applying for an ETA from 27 November 2024.
• Cost and Validity: An ETA costs £10 and is valid for multiple trips to the UK over a period of two years or until the holder’s passport expires, whichever comes first. Each visit can last up to six months.
What is an ETA?
An Electronic Travel Authorisation is a digital permission linked to a traveller’s passport. It ensures that security checks are conducted before individuals commence their journey to the UK, helping to prevent abuse of the immigration system.
How to Apply for an ETA
• Online Application: Travellers can apply for an ETA through a simple process using the UK ETA app or by visiting the official UK government website at GOV.UK.
• Information Required: Applicants will need to provide personal details, passport information, and answer a series of security-related questions.
• Processing Time: The UK government aims to process most ETA applications quickly; however, travellers are advised to apply well in advance of their planned departure date.
Implications for Maldivian Travellers
• Plan Ahead: Maldivian visitors planning to travel to the UK from January 2025 onwards should ensure they have obtained an ETA prior to their trip.
• Transition Period: Until 8 January 2025, Maldivian nationals can continue to travel to the UK under the current arrangements without an ETA.
• Exemptions: British and Irish citizens are exempt from the ETA requirement.
Broader Context
This move aligns the UK with other countries like the United States and Australia, which have similar pre-travel authorisation systems. By April 2025, all visitors to the UK who do not require a visa will need either an ETA or an eVisa. The UK government is working closely with global airline, maritime, and rail carriers to ensure a smooth implementation of this digitisation programme.
Additional Information
• Eligible Countries: Besides the Maldives, the list of countries requiring an ETA includes nations such as Australia, Canada, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, and the United States. A full list is available on the GOV.UK website.
• Travel Industry Collaboration: The UK government continues to collaborate with international carriers to facilitate the new requirements, minimising disruptions for travellers.
Maldivian citizens intending to visit the UK are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the new ETA requirements and ensure they apply in a timely manner once applications open in November 2024. This proactive approach will help guarantee a seamless travel experience to the UK from January 2025 onwards.
Travellers can find more details and stay updated on any changes by visiting GOV.UK or contacting the British High Commission in Malé.
