UK expands requirement of Electronic Travel Authorisation

The United Kingdom (UK) has announced plans to expand the need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) prior to entering the country, a decision that will impact Maldivians traveling to the country as well.

According to the press brief issued by the British High Commission in Malé, this is part of the country's effort to deliver its ambitious aim to digitise the UK border and immigration system.

As per the new plans, anyone wishing to travel to the UK who is not a British or Irish citizen would need to seek prior approval before entering the country, either by obtaining the ETA or an eVisa.

"From 27 November 2024, eligible 49 non-European locations can apply for an ETA and will need an ETA to travel from 8 January 2025. ETAs will then extend to eligible Europeans from 5 March 2025, who will need an ETA to travel from 2 April 2025," the brief said.

The full list of nationalities can be found at:

Apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA)

GOV.UK

This has also been confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Maldives in an advisory issued today.

The cost to obtain an ETA, which would be digitally linked to the traveller's passport, is £10, and can be used for up to two years either on multiple trips not exceeding a 6 month stay each time, or until passport expiry.

As the UK government implements the roll out the ETA requirement, Gulf Cooperation Council visitors already need an ETA to travel to the UK.