(Finance) – Starting from January 8th, i citizens of almost 50 non-European countriesincluding 11 Latin American nations such as Argentina, Brazil and Mexico, will have to obtain aelectronic travel authorization (ETA) For enter the UK. This document, similar to the American system, costs money 10 pounds (about 12 euros) and is valid for two years. The ETA is intended for those who can travel to the UK without a visa, but does not replace a visa for those who require specific permission.
The Latin American countries included in the list are Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay. Citizens of other Latin American states, however, will have to apply for a traditional visa. From 5 March 2025, European Union citizens, including Italians, will also be able to apply for an ETA, which will allow them to enter the UK from 2 April 2025.
ETA is adigital authorization necessary for stays up to 6 months e can be requested via the free UK ETA app, available on Apple Store and Google Play. To complete the procedure you will need: a valid passport, an email address, an electronic payment method (credit card, debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay).
The ETA is not valid for: those who intend to work in the United Kingdom, with some exceptions (e.g. creative worker visa), those who wish to move or get married in the United Kingdom, for which a specific visa such as the Marriage Visitor Visa is required.
They don’t need an ETA: citizens with visas or residence permits (including permanent or temporary resident status), British and Irish citizens, persons with British Overseas Territories passports, residents of Ireland traveling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man.