Singaporeans travelling to the UK will be required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) starting from Jan. 8, 2025. The ETA, which costs £10 (S$17), is mandatory for all modes of transport, including flights, sea, and land routes such as the rail tunnel connecting the UK and France. This requirement also applies to passengers who are merely changing flights in the UK without entering the country. Applications for the ETA will open on Nov. 27, 2024.
Background
The ETA scheme will apply to a total of 83 territories, including countries in the European Union, the U.S., Japan, and Malaysia. Initially, the scheme was trialled with nationals from seven Middle Eastern countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan. The UK’s move to implement the ETA is part of a broader effort to enhance border security and modernise its immigration system.
Why is the UK implementing an ETA scheme?
According to Seema Malhotra, the UK’s Minister for Migration and Citizenship, the expansion of the ETA demonstrates the country’s commitment to “enhance security” through new technology and embed a “modern” immigration system. She stated, “Digitisation enables a smooth experience for the millions of people who pass through the border every year, including the visitors we warmly welcome to the UK who are predicted to contribute over £32 billion to our tourism economy this year.”
Concerns from Heathrow Airport
However, the UK’s largest airport, Heathrow, has expressed concerns about the new scheme. In August 2024, Heathrow reported losing 90,000 transfer passengers on flights operating to and from the seven Middle Eastern countries that have been under the scheme since 2023. The airport described the situation as “devastating for our hub competitiveness” and urged the government to review the inclusion of airside transit passengers in the ETA requirement.
Future implications
The introduction of the ETA is part of the UK’s broader strategy to strengthen border security and improve travel efficiency. The scheme is expected to streamline the entry process for millions of visitors annually, contributing significantly to the UK’s tourism economy. However, the concerns raised by Heathrow Airport highlight potential challenges that may need to be addressed to ensure the scheme’s success without negatively impacting the UK’s status as a global travel hub.
