GUWonder

The UK plans to introduce the same kind of arrangement as the US ESTA and EU ETIAS, and the US passport users won't be generally exempted from that either -- and it's going into place in three phrases, with US citizens likely subject to it too before the end of 2024, if not already well before that. So by this time next year, will the average US passport user transiting LHR to get to the Schengen countries require not only ETIAS but also a UK ETA? I wouldn't be surprised if it does. I would definitely be surprised if ETIAS isn't required of most US passport users going to the Schengen area well before the end of 2024 if not in 2023. Especially when even post-Brexit UK is rushing to deliver this control measure. The USG has been on-board this restricting of the ability to travel across borders without air travelers being pre-vetted and being subjected ever more to DNB messages and other controls to limit cross-border movements by those who would otherwise be able to fly internationally without being subject to a physical visa requirement or even this kind of de facto e-visa requirement. And the USG really is not opposed to this being applicable to US citizens too -- as it's being encouraged. So don't be surprised if Japan and Singapore too get on board this same kind of thing, as they aren't caught up in the middle as much as they are increasingly in bed with the US as strategic partner to more widely monitor and restrict international air travel movements by common carrier means.

https://assets.publishing.service.go...arge_print.pdf

stifle

The really "fun" thing is that the UK's online visa will be required to be held by anyone who isn't Irish or British and wishes to cross over the land border from Ireland. The land border is open at present due to the Common Travel Area, and re-establishing permanent checks is politically extremely difficult.

That is perhaps a story for another thread, however. (Edit to add: It duly has been moved to another thread)

GUWonder

So if the next time I take a bus from the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland happens to be after an ETA becomes required for US passport users, what will be the consequence if crossing over the border with a US passport which happens to not be affiliated with a then valid UK ETA?

stifle

In theory, you would be in the United Kingdom without leave and if you had an interaction with the PSNI and they ran your identity, you would be liable to arrest and deportation. This is vanishingly unlikely in practice, and as we say in Ireland, it'll all be grand.

GUWonder

I’m thinking about something like this: US citizen flying into the UK-IRL CTA with an ordinary US passport with an affiliated UK ETA whereafter that ETA-affiliated US passport gets cancelled (post-CTA arrival) while the person is traveling across borders within the CTA.

I would hope that it’s not required to maintain a valid ETA for the course of remaining in the CTA as a US tourist traveling across these borders within the CTA.

stifle

The legislation to give effect to the UK ETA hasn't been published as of yet, so it remains to be seen what would happen. I expect it would work similarly to ESTAs, whereby your period of admission to the USA is set on entry and it makes no difference if your ESTA expires during your visit. I am not sure how or why the passport (as opposed to the ETA) might be cancelled while the passenger is travelling, but I guess that could (in theory) be picked up if the passenger flies into the Republic of Ireland, where passports are systematically checked for all arriving passengers.

GUWonder

I am pretty sure that they indicated that the passport getting canceled would mean the ETA for the affiliated passport would also no longer be valid with a new US passport.

Nayef

This will cost �10 and will last two years. Slated to begin in November 2023 for Qatari passports, followed by Jordanian and other GCC passports in February 2024, with other visa-free countries being phased in throughout 2024.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/electron...horisation-eta

tecate55

The big PDF initially linked says: "The ETA is not a visa; it authorises an individual to board a carrier to travel to the UK.". So hopefully foreigners driving/walking/cycling into N. Ireland from Ireland won't be breaking any laws if they do it without an ETA. This is the appropriate "this is not a visa" mental gymnastics that Canada did where an ETA isn't required for entry, only boarding a commercial vessel, and the USA did until recently (but now wants an ESTA even if you drive into USA).

But other later publications say you need an ETA to visit UK. Yet another tally in the "it's a visa" column. Yet another "security" program promoted with one set of limited circumstances, but the final product becomes more draconian.

Looks like the answer is yes, you'll need one as a transit passenger:

I already hold a grudge against Heathrow for subjecting all int'l transit passengers to yet another round of passenger/carryon screening. This doesn't help, especially as I like to book my flights when... well whenever I find a good price, I like to lock it in.

It's punitive to open up applications only 3 weeks in advance. Doesn't allow for a reasonable time to have your ETA in hand before buying tickets.

Nayef

I was wondering about this bit. If a Qatari gets approved for an ETA on October 26th, they�re not even allowed to use it until Nov. 15th still. Wild that they haven�t done it even later than that because three weeks is still a substantial wait.

Ari

They have obviously identified their 'problem' countries but want to continue to allow 'visa-free' travel for the majority of citizens from those countries. AU has been doing this for a very long time. Except for the cost and annoyance, this is generally an effective security measure because it nips problems in the bud.

Nayef

Nationals of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates will be able to apply for an ETA from 1 February 2024.