Australian travellers will soon need to apply for permission to enter the UK under changes to its border security system.
The UK government is digitising its border security and last year launched its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme. The program will eventually require all visitors who do not need a visa and were not born in the UK or Ireland to seek permission to travel before their arrival.
Under changes announced today, the ETA scheme will be expanded to include all travellers from non-European countries, including Australia.
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Australian visitors to the UK can apply for an ETA from November 27, however, the approval will not be required to travel until January 8, 2025.
By April 2025, all European visitors will also need an ETA to travel to the UK.
The ETA costs A$20 and permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time over two years or until the holder's passport expires.
The scheme has already been rolled out for travellers from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
"Digitisation enables a smooth experience for the millions of people who pass through the border every year, including the visitors we warmly welcome to the UK who are predicted to contribute over £32 billion ($63 billion) to our tourism economy this year," UK's Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Seema Malhotra, said.
"The worldwide expansion of the ETA demonstrates our commitment to enhance security through new technology and embedding a modern immigration system."
