ETA Goes Into Effect Today – January 8 2025 for Vincentians to enter U.K. 

By Admin. Updated 6:25 p.m., Wednesday, January 8, 2025, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4). 

The United Kingdom’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement for short-term travellers from St. Vincent and the Grenadines comes into effect today – Wednesday January 8, 2025, the British High Commission in Kingstown reminded the public.

Vincentian travellers now entering the UK will be required to complete an ETA application at least 72 hours prior to arrival at any UK border, the High Commission said.

The ETA, which costs £10, (approximately XCD $33.41) “is considered a major step forward in digitising and streamlining the UK border. It is applicable to travellers who do not require a visa to travel to the UK and who intend to spend 6 months or less in the country,” the High Commission said.

“During the ETA process, travellers will answer a set of questions and provide some basic personal information. This can be done easily by downloading the ‘UK ETA app’ from  Google Play ,  Apple App Store or by visiting GOV.UK. Applicants usually get a decision within three working days but may get a quicker decision if they use the UK ETA app,” the British High Commission in Kingstown said.

“This expansion follows the successful rollout of ETAs to Gulf Cooperation Council nationals last year. In the first half of 2024, over 243,000 Gulf nationals were issued with ETAs and can now benefit from smoother, easier travel to the UK for short trips,” the release further stated.