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04 Jun Electronic Travel Authorisation and E-Visas

Posted on June 4, 2021 in Other Visas by
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On 24 May 2021, the Home Office announced its new plan for UK immigration covering both legal migration and border control.  In the future, it is envisaged that visitors as well as transit passengers who do not currently need a visa for short stays, or who do not already have an immigration status prior to travelling, will be required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) similar to the US ESTA system.

The ETA scheme will also allow security checks to be conducted and more informed decisions. Permission to travel will need to be checked and confirmed by carriers prior to boarding. For those fewer permissions in a physical format, the Home Office will support carriers using established connections between their systems and the Government’s to identify whether individuals have permission to travel.

The ETA system will be fully in place by the end of 2024. This means that individuals who are visiting the UK with an electronic permission will not need to show physical proof, the Border Force Officers will be able to check by using their border systems.

Furthermore, the Home Office is in the process of moving away from providing physical documents to show migrants’ immigration status, such as vignettes and Biometric Residence Permits (BRP) by replacing them with a fully digital system. Migrants will also need to use their digital status to prove their right to work and right to rent in the UK.

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For expert advice regarding any aspect of the UK visa application, please contact our immigration team on 0203 384 3075.

 

The content of this article is for general use and information only. Since each case should be prepared on its own merit and in light of the constant amendments to the Immigration Rules, it is important to note that the information provided must not be relied upon unless Migra & Co has either given written consent or has been officially engaged in relation to a specific immigration matter. As a result, Migra & Co will take no responsibility for any damage, cost or loss resulting from relying on the information contained in this article, blog and website.