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As of Jan. 8, an electronic travel authorization will be required for visitors from dozens of visa-exempt countries, including the United States and Canada.

By Christine Chung

Travelers from the US, Canada and dozens of other countries that do not require a visa to enter the UK will now want to apply for virtual clearance to be able to transit through the country.

The electronic authorization, called ETA and associated with the patient’s passport, costs 10 pounds (about $13) and lasts for two years. The requirement was introduced a year ago for nationals of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and four other Gulf countries and will expand to more than 40 visa-free countries from January 8. It will eventually apply to all visa-exempt travelers who wish to stopover in the country. country. United Kingdom, adding those of the European Union.

Travelers connecting through UK airports and having final destinations elsewhere will also need to apply for an ETA; This policy is currently being reviewed.

The ETA formula is part of a project to “deliver a more simplified virtual immigration formula” that guarantees border security, according to a press release from the UK Home Office.

Here’s what you need to know about ETA and the process to apply.

The ETA is for short-term visits of less than six months and for visa-exempt travelers only; The full list of applicable nationalities can be obtained online. The ETA does not update existing visa policies, which require citizens of dozens of countries and territories to apply for and obtain a visa to enter the United Kingdom.

British and Irish citizens, visa holders, and those granted permission to live, work or study in the United Kingdom do not need to apply for the ETA.

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