London (Monitoring Desk): The United Kingdom has announced that from today, citizens of 85 countries traveling visa-free to United Kingdom must obtain an electronic travel authorization prior to arrival. Travelers without this authorization will be denied entry.
Under this scheme, passengers can apply online and pay £16 to receive the electronic authorization. The electronic travel authorization system was first introduced in 2023 and, as of last April, was only mandatory for citizens of European Union countries, though enforcement was previously lax.
From now on, all visitors to the UK must carry a valid electronic authorization, e-visa, or other proper travel documents. Airlines are required to prevent boarding for passengers lacking the authorization.
UK and Ireland citizens, dual nationals, and those holding residency permits in the UK are exempt from this requirement.
