Effective November 15, 2023, the United Kingdom (UK) has introduced a new Travel Requirement for Nigerians planning to Travel to the UK.
Except for British and Irish Citizens, all Travelers, including children, transiting through or entering the UK will need to Obtain permission before Traveling.
This new Requirement entails Obtaining an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for all Visa Applicants wishing to Visit the UK.
This Rule applies to Individuals who were Previously eligible to enter the UK without a Visa and are not Currently Legally Resident in the UK.
It also encompasses those planning Visits shorter than six months, including Tourists, Business travelers, and Individuals visiting family and friends.
To Comply with this regulation, Applicants must complete an Online Application before making Travel arrangements to the UK.
Once granted, the ETA will be Valid for multiple Journeys over two years or until the Expiration of the Passport used in the Application, whichever comes first.
The UK Home Office has emphasized that Travelers with Valid Visas may not be permitted to Board their Flights without a valid ETA.
The ETA will be Digitally Linked to Travelers’ Passports.
In summary, this new Travel requirement is a significant change for Nigerian Travelers to the UK, and it’s essential to obtain an ETA before planning any Trip to the United Kingdom.
While an ETA grants Permission to Travel to the UK, it does not guarantee entry, as Travelers must still Undergo Passport control upon Arrival in the UK.
Travelers are advised to ensure that the Passport used for the ETA Application is Valid for the entire Duration of their stay in the UK.
