New ETA: Travel authorization for Great Britain becomes more expensive

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Starting April 2, anyone traveling to Great Britain will need more than just a passport. Travelers who do not require a visa will have to present an entry permit, or ETA (for electronic travel authorization), on arrival in the country.

It is recommended that you apply for this at least three working days before you enter the country—it costs 10 pounds (around 12 euros) until 8 April, after which the price rises to 16 pounds (around 19 euros).

The “UK ETA” app, available for the iOS and Android operating systems, is recommended for the application. Anyone who does not have a smartphone or does not have a compatible smartphone is advised on the government website, gov.uk, to “Ask a friend or family member if you can use their device.” You can delete the app after completing the ETA application.

There is also a way to initiate the application online in your browser. To do this, go to the website https://apply-for-an-eta.homeoffice.gov.uk/apply/electronic-travel-authorisation/how-to-apply and press the green “Continue” button. The application process will then start.

The application: answer questions, take photos
In addition to answering a few security questions and providing information about their address and place of work, travelers must upload a photo of their passport during the application process—anyone over the age of nine must also scan their face with their cell phone camera in the app during the application process. Payment is made at the end of the process when the application is completed.

If the application is successful, the ETA will be sent by e-mail. It then entitles you to several trips and stays of up to six months in a two-year period. The passport must be valid during this time.

Beware of expensive brokers and fraud
The European Consumer Center warns that many brokers on the Internet offer to apply for the ETA through them. However, the price is much higher than when applying directly via the app.

According to consumer advocates, these offers appear in particular when you Google for the British ETA. In the worst-case scenario, you could end up with fraudsters. Then the money is gone, and you won’t get an ETA either. So, the advice is to apply for an ETA only via the official channels.