Great Britain, following the European Union, plans to introduce an “entry tax” for travelers.
According to CNN Travel, the ETA system (electronic entry permit) is planned to be implemented by the end of 2024. The cost of such a permit should be 10 pounds sterling (about 465 hryvnias). It will operate for two years.
At the same time, it is noted that most likely, such a paid electronic permit should be received only by travelers who can enter the United Kingdom without visas. Citizens of countries that need to issue a British visa, in particular Ukrainians, will enter the country according to the old scheme – through the issuance of a visa at an embassy or consulate.
At the moment, the UK authorities are working out the details of exactly how the system will work.
Similar systems in the USA and the EU
Great Britain is far from the first country to introduce electronic entry permits for visa-free tourists.
Yes, the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) has been in effect in the USA since 2009 for travelers entering by air or sea, and in 2022 it was extended to those who cross the American border by land. The cost of such a permit is 21 US dollars (about 775 hryvnias), it is valid for 2 years. Since citizens of Ukraine need a visa to enter the United States, this requirement does not apply to them.
Meanwhile, Europe is about to introduce the European Entry Authorization System (ETIAS) costing 7 euros (about 280 hryvnias), which will be issued for three years. Initially, the ETIAS system was supposed to be launched by 2021, but the start of work was postponed several times. In February 2023, the European Union decided to postpone the launch date of the ETIAS system to 2024 instead of the end of 2023. Note that since Ukraine is visa-free with the EU, Ukrainians will also have to issue such a permit.