How will the UK’s new ETA system affect Grenadian travellers? This programme, set to be introduced before 2024, is designed to replace the current visa waiver scheme. Grenadians planning to visit the UK will need to prepare for their trip by learning about the ETA. This guide contains information about the ETA, including the application process.
What Is the UK ETA for Grenadian Citizens?
The UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation, known as the ETA, is being introduced by the British government in an effort to digitalise the borders of the UK. Although it is a new system for Britain, some travellers will be familiar with similar programmes that are already being used in other countries. In particular, it is inspired by the ESTA scheme in the United States and the ETA in Canada. It gives the government greater oversight over people entering and leaving the country and makes it easier to identify potential threats and risks to the UK.
Citizens of Grenada do not need to apply for a visa to travel to the UK. Under the new system, this will not change. However, when the ETA system is introduced, Grenadian travellers must apply for an ETA before entering the UK. Effectively, the ETA serves as a digital permit. A Grenadian holder of the ETA has permission to enter the UK and visit for a period of no more than six months. It is not a visa. The application process is a lot simpler and faster than a visa application, and the ETA does not provide the advantages of a visa.
How Does the ETA Affect Grenadian Travellers?
The UK has visa waiver arrangements in place with 92 countries. Commonwealth nations like Grenada are included on this list. This means that Grenadian citizens do not need to apply for a visa before entering the UK.
The ETA will be valid for Grenadians visiting the UK for a period of fewer than six months. Regardless of their reason for travelling, Grenadian visitors will all go through the same application process. Their purpose for visiting the UK might include the following:
• Tourism
• Business trips
• Short-term courses or study programmes
• Visits to friends and family
• Medical treatment
There are some exceptions, though. At present, Grenadian citizens who want to live permanently in the UK, work there, or spend more than six months there need to apply for a visa. That will not be changed under the new ETA system. If a Grenadian traveller requires a visa, they will have to look into it separately. The ETA is designed to be entirely separate from the visa application process.
Applying for the UK ETA for Grenadian Citizens
Before travelling, visitors from Grenada are advised to look at the published list of requirements for the ETA. These include:
• A valid biometric passport from a country on the list of eligibility.
• A recent digital passport photo.
• personal information. This will include data such as date of birth, employment information, contact details, etc.
• The reason for the traveller’s visit to the UK.
• Basic details about the planned trip to the UK, such as the visitor’s address while in the country
• A credit or debit card for the ETA application fee.
• Past information, including details of a criminal record, immigration offences and membership of proscribed groups or organisations.
One of the reasons for the ETA system being implemented is to provide a better way of flagging potential security risks and threats to the United Kingdom and its citizens. Because of this, Grenadian ETA applicants must provide data about their criminal record and other historic offences. An applicant who is considered to present any kind of potential danger to the UK will have their application rejected.
This information is subject to change as the system has yet to be fully implemented. Travellers from Grenada are advised to make sure they have a complete understanding of the UK ETA requirements before beginning their application.
The ETA application process is only available online. The entire ETA system is digital, so there will be no alternative ways to apply.
Processing the UK ETA for Grenadian Citizens
The ETA application has a fee attached to it. This fee must be paid online and in full before the application can be processed. It is non-refundable. Once an applicant has completed their form entirely and paid the fee, the processing will begin.
An ETA application takes far less time to process than a visa and is expected to take a maximum of 72 hours before being approved or denied. It is very important that applicants take this time into account when they make their travel plans. They should have an approved UK ETA for Grenadian citizens ready to show airport staff when they reach their departure airport.
Carriers are expected to make an approved ETA a condition of carriage. A passenger who does not have one may be denied boarding. As they pass through British border control, Grenadian travellers will need to show their ETA once again on entry to the United Kingdom.
In the event that an ETA application is denied, the applicant has a few options to pursue. First, they can appeal the decision. Alternatively, they can apply for a visa, but this is a longer and more complicated process.
Travelling With the UK ETA for Grenadian Citizens
With an approved UK ETA for Grenadian citizens, a traveller can spend up to six months in the UK. Within the UK, there is no internal border control that separates England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. This means that an ETA holder can move between the four nations as they wish. The Republic of Ireland is an independent country, and the ETA is not valid there.
The UK is not a member of the Schengen zone or the European Union. Grenadian citizens who wish to travel to other European countries as part of their trip will need to look into the separate entry requirements and make sure they meet them. The EU is in the process of introducing its own electronic authorisation system, the ETIAS.
Grenadians in the UK
There are around 10,000 Grenadian-born people in the UK. As Grenada is part of the Commonwealth, there are strong connections between the two countries. Many Grenadians come to the UK in order to visit friends and family who have settled there, while others travel for reasons of tourism or to study.
There are direct flights between Grenada Airport and London Gatwick. Travellers who want to visit other parts of the country must look for a connecting flight or enter the UK through London. Then, they can continue travelling by some other means of transport.