BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) — Caribbean nationals wishing to visit the United Kingdom (UK) will, from Wednesday, need to be in possession of that country’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) that has now gone into effect globally.

As a result, Caribbean nationals will therefore be required to apply for the ETA online or via the UK ETA App.

The Electronic Travel Authorisation is linked to the passport used in the application and is valid for multiple trips to the UK over a two-year period. If persons acquire a new passport, they will need to get a new ETA. The application fee is £10 (One British pound= US $1.23 cents) and applicants will receive an email confirmation within three working days or sooner.

London said that while an ETA grants individuals permission to travel to the UK, it does not grant them entry and as a result, they will still need to go through passport control at the border to enter the UK.

Everyone travelling or transiting the United Kingdom needs to get an ETA including babies and children. Applications can be made for other people. However, refunds will not be granted after applications have been submitted.

The UK ETA does not apply to countries whose nationals require a visa to enter the UK. In addition, it cannot be used for travel to the UK for the purpose of work, study or residence.

The United Kingdom authorities have indicated that the ETA scheme will strengthen the UK’s border security and expedite safe travel for nationals of Barbados as they pass through the UK border. In addition, the ETA scheme will be used to facilitate increased automation as the UK works towards a contactless border.