The United Kingdom has introduced a new travel requirement for Nigerian travelers, effective from November 15, 2023. With the exception of British and Irish citizens, all individuals, including children, planning to enter or transit through the UK must obtain permission prior to their journey.
This means that all visa applicants intending to travel to the UK will now be obligated to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). This requirement applies to those who were previously eligible to visit the UK without a visa and are not currently legal residents in the UK.
The ETA is applicable to various categories of travelers, including those on visits of less than six months, business travelers, tourists, and individuals visiting family and friends. To comply with this new regulation, applicants must submit their ETA applications online before making travel arrangements.
Once approved, the ETA will be valid for multiple trips within a two-year period or until the expiration of the passport used for the application, whichever comes first. The UK Home Office emphasizes that travelers with valid visas may be denied boarding without a valid ETA, as the ETA is digitally linked to travelers' passports.
In summary, the United Kingdom is implementing new travel requirements, necessitating permission for all travelers except British and Irish citizens. This permission is obtained through an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) and applies to various types of visits, with online application being mandatory. It is essential to carry the same passport used for the ETA application and ensure passport validity for the entire stay when entering the UK.
