Anyone who has been to the USA or Canada will be well aware of the invaluable electronic sesame that must be filled in before entering these two countries. In future, the UK will also apply this method for visa-exempt countries - including for travelers from Switzerland.
To travel to the UK, you'll need to fill in the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) form before departure, whether for a leisure weekend, business trip, language stay or medical treatment. The maximum duration of stay must not exceed 6 months. Beyond this period, a visa is required.
Despite the additional hassle involved, the ETA process is designed to be straightforward: a few days before entering the country, all you have to do is fill in the online form, providing the data from your biometric identity document, a valid e-mail address, a payment card to cover the fees, and your travel details. The application will be processed within 48 to 72 hours.
The advantage is that once you arrive on British soil, you won't need to go through any additional checks. All you have to do is scan your ID, as all the data is already stored in the system.
Improving border controls
The introduction of Electronic Travel Authorization is part of the UK government's plan to make border crossing fully digital by the end of 2025. According to UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman, the new ETA system should provide the government with more accurate information on migration, improve border controls and make the UK an even safer destination.
The ETA system is due to be rolled out in early 2023, and should be fully operational by the end of the year. (TI)
