The UK government has been working hard to improve border control and increase the visibility of who is entering and leaving the country. As part of this effort, the Home Office recently announced the introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system. This guide is a great source of information for anyone planning to visit the UK. It will cover the process of applying for a UK ETA for Croatian citizens and the reason visitors need to apply.
What Is the UK ETA for Croatian Citizens?
The UK offers a variety of programmes and visas to allow people from different countries to enter the country. The visa waiver programme allows citizens of certain countries to enter the UK without a visa. Croatia is one of the countries that are a part of the visa waiver programme. However, this will all be coming to an end with the introduction of the UK ETA system.
The new UK ETA system will start in 2023 and replace the current visa waiver programme. The UK ETA system will borrow from the current eTA programme used by Canada and the USA’s ESTA system. Under the new system, Croatian citizens will still be able to enter the UK without a visa. However, they will need to apply for a UK ETA before their trip. The UK ETA remains valid for 6 months (180 days) from the date of issuance.
How To Apply for the UK ETA
The recent introduction of the UK ETA has made travelling to the UK much simpler for citizens of all 92 eligible countries. Croatian citizens can now apply for an ETA online in minutes. To apply for the UK ETA for Croatian citizens, applicants will need to fill out an online application form and submit it via the official government portal.
During the application process, applicants will be asked to provide some personal information, travel plans and contact details. Once their application is submitted, it will be reviewed by the UK Home Office. Applicants will receive a decision within 72 hours. However, in some cases, it may take a few more days for a decision to be made. Once the ETA has been approved, it will be electronically linked to the applicant’s biometric passport.
There is no need to print out the ETA number, as it can be checked electronically at the UK point of entry. When Croatian citizens arrive at immigration control, the officer will simply need to check for a valid passport and an approved ETA before permitting them to enter the country. As long as Croatian citizens have these two things, travelling to the UK should be a simple and hassle-free process.
What Are the UK ETA for Croatian Citizens Requirements?
Even though the United Kingdom is a welcoming country that is open to many foreigners, there are some exceptions to be aware of. The requirements for the UK ETA are not overly complicated, but there are a few things that could still result in someone being denied access. For example, all travellers must have an electronic passport. This is essential as it provides border control officials with all of the critical information about the traveller. A biometric passport also allows the applicant’s ETA to be electronically linked to it once approved.
In addition, visitors must be able to disclose the purpose of their trip to the UK. The ETA allows Croatians to only visit the UK for transit, pleasure and business purposes. Other UK ETA requirements for Croatian nationals include staying in the UK for less than 6 months and the ability to pay the application fee, which is yet to be determined at the moment.
A Croatian citizen may be denied access to the UK include if they have a criminal record or have violated any immigration policies in the past. Croatians should always ensure they have their ETA approved prior to boarding their flight to the UK, as they may otherwise be turned away.
What Are the Eligibility Criteria for the UK ETA?
The UK ETA eligibility criteria are still being finalised. However, at this stage, it is known that applicants must be from one of the eligible countries. Croatia is already eligible for the ETA. There are a few exemptions as to who needs to apply for the ETA. These include British passport holders, British Overseas citizens, British Overseas Nationals, British protected persons and Irish passport holders. Applicants who do not meet the eligibility criteria will need to apply for a normal UK visa.
Can Applicants Convert an ETA Into Visa After Entering the UK?
No. Applicants cannot convert their ETA into a visa after entering the UK on an ETA. There are several reasons why this is not possible. First, the requirements for the ETA are not the same as the requirements for a visa. Second, the ability to renew a visa while in the UK is usually determined by the applicant’s immigration status. If a Croatian applicant is on a short-term student or tourist visa, they must leave the country first and then apply for a visa from their home country.
What Is the Purpose of the UK ETA Programme?
The goal of the UK ETA for Croatian citizens is to improve border visibility and security measures. By requiring travellers to provide information about their trip in advance, border officials will be able to screen passengers more effectively and identify any potential threats. In addition, the ETA programme will make it easier for authorities to track travellers who are overstaying their visit in order to reduce illegal immigration.
The UK government is expecting to receive a boost in revenue from the implementation of the Electronic Travel Authorisation application fee. It is estimated that around 3 million travellers will use the ETA each year, resulting in millions of additional revenue for the government. Top visitors to the UK are currently from the United States, Germany, France and Netherlands.
The ETA will also allow the government to track travel patterns and destinations within the UK. This information will be used to increase the efficiency of transportation infrastructure and services, as well as improve customer service by providing insights into visitor behaviours and preferences. Ultimately, the ETA will allow the UK government to better understand the needs of Croatian visitors, making travel to and within the United Kingdom more seamless and hassle-free. Croatian travellers can review the UK ETA FAQ section for additional details.
Visiting the UK on the ETA
One of the top tourist destinations for Croatian citizens is the capital city of London. Here, visitors can enjoy world-famous attractions, such as Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey. Outside of London, there is Stonehenge, a famous prehistoric site, while Dover Castle is an ideal example of mediaeval architecture. In Scotland, visitors can enjoy the scenery of the Scottish Highlands.