With the United Kingdom now digitising its border and immigration system, New Zealanders planning to visit there need to apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA).
Anyone wishing to travel to the UK – except British and Irish citizens – requires advance permission to travel. This can be done either through an ETA or an eVisa. The cost is NZ$21 (£10). The ETA will be valid for two years for multiple entries.
The UK Home Office says ETAs are digitally linked to a traveller’s passport ensuring more robust security checks are carried out before people leave for the UK.
The scheme is for ‘short’ visits of less than six months for tourism and business.
There are other categories of ETA, including for short-term study and permitted paid engagements. Full details are on www.tinyurl.com/5n8ayuuu.
Be sure to apply through official channels, rather than through third-party websites, which may charge extra fees, and are less likely to handle personal data securely.
Travellers can apply directly online – www.tinyurl.com/ycysxadh or via the apps for iPhone and Android.
It is expected to take around three days for UK officials to make a decision. If needing to visit the UK urgently, travel is permitted however, an application must be made before setting out.
NOTE: To travel to the United States of America visitors need an ESTA — a mandatory, paid-for authorisation to travel, with security clearance done in advance.
To enter Europe, you’ll soon need an ETIAS — the EU travel waiver, which has been much delayed but is currently expected to start some time in 2025.
