We are fast approaching the introduction of the United Kingdom (UK) Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme on 25 October 2023. This is one of the biggest changes to the UK Immigration and Borders system in decades and will impact millions of travellers. An ETA is a travel permission and will be a new requirement for passengers visiting or transiting through the UK who do not currently need a visa for short stays and do not already have any other UK immigration status before travelling.
Nationals from GCC countries will be first to benefit from the ETA scheme starting with Qatari nationals from 25 October 2023, followed by nationals from Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia from 1 February 2024. All GCC nationals – and Jordanians – will move from being visa nationals to non-visa nationals and the current EVW scheme will cease to operate once moved to the ETA scheme.
ETA Information Events – what is included and who should attend?
Since the announcement of the forthcoming UK ETA, we have been raising awareness with invested stakeholders. To support the amplification of ETA messaging, we have hosted bi-weekly broadcasts which are open to all who are interested in learning about the scheme (details attached) .
We have created some additional tailored events which will provide an overview of ETAs with emphasis on specific topics unique to the region organisations and the travelling public. We welcome attendance from all that are interested in learning about the ETA scheme and those with business interests in the Gulf Region and Jordan. The events are bookable free of charge via Eventbrite, booking details are attached.
We would like to invite your organisation to attend, and to share details amongst your own networks. The purpose of these events is to provide an overview of ETA and give an opportunity to ask questions, the content would be beneficial to those who have no, or limited awareness of the scheme. It is important that this new requirement is communicated widely as people will travel to the UK for a whole host of reasons, these events may be of particular interest to those considering short-term trips to the UK for things like tourism; visiting family and friends; to attend events; for business reasons or for short term study.
ETA Communications Materials
HERE is a link to our shareable ETA Partner Pack containing communications products. If you are able, we ask that you seek opportunities to amplify messaging about the ETA scheme using these products to your national and international customers, staff, and any relevant stakeholders via your channels and networks for example on website, notifications, business to business newsletters etc.
The pack contains:
- Key messages
- Stakeholder factsheet
- Ireland and Northern Ireland stakeholder factsheet
- Social media assets and supporting post copy.
- ‘What is an ETA?’ guidance video.
- ETA GOV.UK webpage
