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The UK government this week announced an overhaul in non-visa entry requirements for visitors from next year. The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme is similar to the ESTA system in the United States.
The interior ministry announced that all visitors who do not require a visa to travel to Britain will need an ETA from April 2, 2025.
It is a travel permit digitally linked to the traveller's passport and is for people entering or transiting the UK without a visa or legal residence rights.
It costs EUR 10 (12 euros, 13 dollars) and permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time over two years or until the holder's passport expires - whichever is sooner.
Eligibility is based on nationality and suitable travellers can apply using the UK ETA app.
Previously, most visitors could arrive at a British airport with their passport and enter the country without a visa.
But that begato change in November last year when the then Conservative government introduced the ETA, starting with Qatari nationals.
The scheme was extended earlier this year and currently includes citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Children and babies from these countries need an ETA too.
Interior minister announced on Tuesday that all nationalities except Europeans can apply for an ETA from November 27. They will need one travel to Britain from January 8 next year.
The scheme will then extend to eligible Europeans, who will require an ETA from April 2, 2025.
They will be able to apply from March 5. Eligible travellers will need one even if they are just using the UK to connect to an onward flight abroad.
British and Irish passport holders and those with passports for a British overseas territory do not need an ETA.
Travellers with a visa also do not require one, nor do people with permission to live, work or study in the UK, including people settled under the EU Settlement Scheme agreed as part of Britain's exit from the European Union in January 2020.