The new ETA scheme has raised several questions, and here, we aim to clarify the key points of this upcoming travel requirement. Travelers from 85 different countries, including Australia, will soon need to secure an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to visit England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This initiative is designed to streamline travel procedures and enhance security.

The ETA is priced at £16, equivalent to about $32, and it is valid for two years. This authorization allows for multiple entries, with each visit lasting up to six months. It’s worth noting that the ETA is not required for British and Irish citizens; they can continue to travel using their valid passports, whether British or Irish.

Dr. Brian Jones, Deputy High Commissioner, emphasized this point in a recent online video, stating, “You must use your UK passport or a certificate of entitlement to travel to the UK.” This clarification ensures that citizens of the UK and Ireland are aware of their travel documentation requirements under the new system.

The ETA costs £16 (approximately $32) and it lasts for two years, allowing multiple visits for up to six months at a time.

British and Irish citizens, however, won’t need to apply for an ETA to visit.

They will instead be required to travel on a valid British or Irish passport.

“You must use your UK passport or a certificate of entitlement to travel to the UK”, Deputy High Commissioner Dr Brian Jones said in a video shared online.

“From the 25th of February this year, you may be denied boarding on departure if you don’t have this when you travel to the UK.”

What is a certificate of entitlement?

A certificate of entitlement can be used instead of a British passport and is proof of your right to abode in the UK.

Importantly, you cannot get a certificate if you already have a British passport or a valid certificate of entitlement in another foreign passport.

It will cost £589 (approx. $1163) for anyone applying outside the UK and it can take around three weeks for your application to be approved.

I am British and my children were born in Australia. Do they need a British passport too?

British citizenship is normally passed down to children who are born outside of the UK to a British parent.

Jones said impacted citizens will need to check their child’s specific circumstances before travelling after February 25.

“If they are British, you will need a British passport for them or a certificate of entitlement,” Jones said.

“If you believe you could be British, especially if you’ve got British parents, head to gov.uk to review your eligibility.

“It is complex, but you may be eligible depending on when you were born, where you were born, and your parents’ citizenship at the time of your birth.”

My ETA doesn’t expire until after February 25. Can I still use it even if I am a British citizen?

Jones said British citizens should not travel on an ETA after February 25, even if it was granted before the new rules kick in.

If you need to travel urgently to the UK, however, he said you may be eligible for an emergency travel document.

I am arriving in the UK before Feb 25, am I affected?

The short answer is: no.

The UK will not enforce the new ETA scheme until after February 25.

If you are travelling to the UK before this date, Australian travellers won’t need to pay for an ETA and dual citizens won’t need their valid UK passport just yet.

How long will it take to renew my passport?

It depends on whether you have had a British or Irish passport before.

It can take between six to 13 weeks receive a passport from Australia.

This process time can vary and may be longer if you’ve never had a passport before.

The HM Passport Office recommends that people do not book travel or apply for visas until after you have your passport.

A standard passport is £108 ($215) for an adult, and £70 ($138) for a child, plus a £19.86 ($38) courier fee.