The UK Home Office recently announced the introduction of its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system for all non-visa visitors. Portuguese citizens travelling to the UK will require an Electronic Travel Authorisation permit, which can be acquired online. Find out everything about the UK ETA for Portuguese citizens, from eligibility requirements, application fees and processing times, to what documents are needed and how the ETA will affect the traveller’s journey when entering the UK.
What Is the UK ETA for Portuguese Citizens?
The UK ETA system is an electronic travel authorisation system set to become mandatory by the end of 2024. This system will require all visa-exempt travellers to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation permit before travelling to the UK for short visits. The ETA is intended for visitors who wish to stay in the UK for business, pleasure or transit purposes. It is important to note that this system only applies to those from countries whose citizens are currently exempt from needing a visa when travelling to the UK, such as Portugal.
When it comes into full effect, all Portuguese citizens planning a short visit to the UK will be required to apply for an ETA before their trip. The good news is that this process is expected to be quick and relatively easy. The application process can be completed entirely online and is expected to take just minutes. Applicants must provide basic information as well as answer some security questions. All applications are checked against watchlists and other relevant databases before being approved or denied.
Once approved, the ETA will be electronically linked with the applicant’s passport and will remain valid for up to six months (180 days) from the date of issuance. However, it should be noted that an ETA issued by the UK does not guarantee entry into the country; immigration officers may still request additional documents when travellers arrive at the port of entry.
In addition, those with an ETA must also meet certain requirements in order to enter the UK, including having sufficient funds available during their stay in order to support themselves financially. Furthermore, applicants must also prove that they have a valid reason for visiting, such as leisure or business-related activities or that they are transiting through the UK en route elsewhere. The ETA programme aims to make it easier than ever before for citizens of visa-exempt countries like Portugal to enter the UK with no extra paperwork involved.
UK ETA Eligibility
The UK ETA is a much easier and simpler process than that of applying for a visa, as it only requires basic documentation and is processed much faster. To be eligible for an ETA, applicants must be from one of the qualifying 92 countries. Portugal is on this list, which includes other destinations, like the Bahamas, Maldives, Italy, Spain, France and Germany. An ETA gives Portuguese travellers freedom of movement throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland — so long as their visit is within the permitted length of stay.
UK ETA Requirements
Portuguese citizens are not automatically eligible for a UK ETA. In order to qualify, they must meet a number of specific requirements. These include:
Biometric Passport
This type of passport is more secure than traditional passports, as it collects personal data from the bearer, such as fingerprints, facial features and iris scans. The collection of this biometric data helps ensure that the passport can be verified more accurately, helping reduce identity fraud. Portuguese citizens who have a traditional passport must first obtain a biometric passport in order to be eligible for the UK ETA application process.
Short-Term Visit
In addition to having a biometric passport, intent to stay in the UK for less than 180 days must also be demonstrated when applying for an ETA. It is crucial that travellers keep in mind that their 180 days begin once the ETA is issued and not when they enter the country, so they should plan accordingly. If travellers overstay their visit on an ETA, they could face fines or even deportation depending on factors such as how long they have been in the country without authorisation.
Criminal Record
The UK government also requires applicants not to have any criminal records before entering the country. Examples of criminal activities include but are not limited to the following: violent offences, terrorism, fraud and trafficking. All of these criminal activities could result in serious legal ramifications if one were to commit them while in the UK.
By requiring applicants not to have any criminal record before entering the country, it helps ensure that those visiting will abide by local laws while present in the UK. Additionally, it helps protect innocent citizens from potential harm should an individual with a criminal background enter the country.
Immigration Violations
Applicants must have never violated UK immigration laws before and were not previously refused entry into other countries due to such violations. Immigration violations can include overstaying visas without renewal or other related infractions, such as working illegally while on a tourist visa.
It is critical for applicants who have ever been denied entry before due to violating immigration laws to disclose this information. This is so that their application can be properly assessed — and rejected if necessary — based on this information alone instead of risking deportation on arrival in the UK due to false claims made on their applications. Here is a more in-depth look at the requirements for the UK ETA for Portuguese citizens.
UK ETA Application Process
The UK ETA application process begins by creating an account on the government website. Applicants need to provide personal information, such as name, date of birth and address. Passport information is also required, including passport number and expiry date. Citizens with dual nationality or other nationalities should disclose this information when applying for an ETA. Contact information, including email address and phone number, should also be provided. Applicants will also need to provide additional information, such as their place of work.
Once all this information has been entered into the system, applicants will be asked a series of questions related to their eligibility for a UK ETA. Once applicants have answered all these questions satisfactorily, they will be taken through the payment portion of the application process, where they will enter their payment details, such as credit or debit card number. The cost of obtaining a UK ETA is yet to be determined.
Once payment has been successfully processed, applicants may progress onto additional processing stages, which may include submitting any additional forms required by immigration officials. After this point, approval times will depend on how quickly documents are received by immigration officials and approved after being correctly reviewed according to the guidelines set out by them. The approval process is, however, expected to take a few days.
Are There Exemptions Regarding Who Needs To Apply for the UK ETA?
There are a number of people who are exempt from needing to apply for a UK ETA. These include the following:
• Irish passport holders
• British Overseas Territories citizens
• British protected persons
• British subjects
• British Overseas Nationals
• British Overseas Territories citizens
• British passport holders
For more information, Portuguese citizens are encouraged to review the UK ETA FAQ page.