UK Introducing Electronic Travel Authorisation

The British High Commissioner to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Scott Furssedonn-Wood, has announced the upcoming implementation of the United Kingdom’s new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system for international visitors. Speaking at a news conference in Castries, Furssedonn-Wood highlighted the key features of the new system which will be effective January 8, 2025 where all visitors traveling to the UK will need to obtain an ETA. “This is not specific to Saint Lucia. It’s not specific to the Caribbean. This is a global program, and it means that from the eighth of January next year, visitors to the UK will need to have applied in advance for an electronic Travel Authorisation,” Furssedonn-Wood noted. The ETA, which will be digitally linked to travelers’ passports, will allow multiple entries into the UK for up to two years, with stays of up to six months per visit. The service will cost £10, (EC$35). Applications can be submitted starting November 27th 2024. The new system aims to streamline travel while ensuring security and compliance. “It’s a system that’s used by many countries, and most travelers will be familiar with it already, but we recognise that it’s a change, particularly for people who are used...