Earlier this year, it was announced that while Trinidad and Tobago will continue to have visa-free access to the United Kingdom, from January 8, its passport holders will be required to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling, joining 47 other non-European countries including the United States and Canada.
As the time draws nearer, the UK began accepting applications for the ETA today.
The Trinidad and Tobago High Commission in London is advising travellers to apply early.
“We encourage all travellers to apply in advance to ensure smooth processing,” the High Commission said on its Facebook page.
Here are some things you should know about the ETA:
The UK is implementing the ETA as part of efforts to secure its border and digitise border controls by 2025.
If you are a dual British or Irish citizen or have British residency, you don’t need an ETA.
The ETA application costs £10 and it is non-refundable.
Once approved, the ETA is valid for two years or until the expiration of the passport used for the application, whichever comes first, and allows for multiple entries to the UK.
The ETA allows you to transit through the UK, visit family and friends, conduct business or short-term study for under six months, attend a permitted paid engagement (such as a lawyer representing a client or an artiste performing at a concert), and stay in the UK for up to three months under the Creative Worker visa concession.
Once granted an ETA, you are not permitted to overstay your allotted time, work (paid or unpaid) for a UK company or as a self-employed person, unless engaged in a permitted paid engagement or under the Creative Worker visa concession.
You are also prohibited from claiming social benefits, living in the UK through frequent or successive visits, getting married or registering a civil partnership, or giving notice of marriage or civil partnership without obtaining a Marriage Visitor visa.
To apply for the ETA, you’ll need to upload photos of your passport and face to the website or app.
Payments for the ETA can be made using your credit or debit card.
