The historic city of Exeter is located in the southwest of England. It is the county town of Devon, and its Cathedral is the seat of the Bishop of Exeter. The city has a long and rich history, dating back to Roman times when it was once known as Isca Dumnoniorum. In the Middle Ages, Exeter was an important trading centre, and today it is a vibrant university city with a lively cultural and architectural scene.
In a recent announcement, the UK government stated that they will introduce a new electronic travel authorisation system (ETA) for visitors from non-visa countries. This will make it even easier for travellers to explore all that this intriguing city has to offer. Read on as we discuss how the new UK ETA for Exeter will affect travellers to the UK, as well as mention well-known tourist attractions to explore in Exeter.
The History of Exeter
The Roman Period
The first settlers are thought to have arrived in the area around 50 AD, and the city soon became a crucial outpost for the Romans. The River Exe provided a natural barrier against invaders, and the city’s strategic location made it an ideal place to establish a thriving community. Exeter was frequently besieged by Viking raiders, and a strong wooden fort was built to defend the city around 55 AD. Exeter continued to play a vital role in the military defence of Britain until the Saxons took over leadership around 658 AD.
The Saxon and Norman period
The Saxon period in Exeter was a time of great prosperity for the town. By 1000 AD, Exeter was the sixth-most prosperous town in England. This was partly due to the fact that by this time, coins were being minted in Exeter, which facilitated trade. People during this period specialised in a variety of materials, including wood, minerals, cloth, metal and leather. The Saxon period came to an end in 1068 when William the Conqueror invaded and conquered Exeter, introducing the Norman period. This battle, known as the Siege of Exeter, lasted for 18 days.
Places to Visit in Exeter
Exeter Cathedral
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The Exeter cathedral was completed around 1400, and it features three architectural styles: Gothic, Norman and English architecture. Visitors to the cathedral are welcome to explore its many features, including its elaborate stained glass windows and intricate carvings. The cathedral also houses an extensive collection of historical artefacts and is home to the seat of the Bishop of Exeter.
Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery
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Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery in Exeter is a treasure trove of over a million objects, spanning everything from geology and archaeology to fine arts, anthropology and zoology. Established in 1869, the museum underwent redevelopment works that lasted for four years until it finally re-opened in 2011. Since then, it has won many awards and is now a popular tourist attraction in the city.
Visitors can easily while away a day exploring the museum, and there is something to interest everyone, regardless of age or interests. Whether visitors are looking to learn about the natural world or simply admire some stunning works of art, the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery attraction is a must-see worth visiting.
Exeter Historic Guildhall
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The Exeter Historic Guildhall is a unique and historic building that has been at the heart of the city for centuries. Construction of the Guildhall began in 1468, making it the oldest municipal building in England that is still used for commercial purposes. The original building was made from medieval timber framing, though the frontage was redone in the 1590s. The interior of the Guildhall underwent a major restoration in the 19th century, and today it houses a variety of businesses.
The UK ETA for Exeter Programme
The UK ETA scheme is a new initiative that has been introduced as part of the UK Nationality and Borders Act 2022. The UK ETA system is expected to take effect in 2023/2024. The scheme is designed to help border control officers in their work by making it easier to identify foreign visitors who are coming to the UK from non-visa countries.
The ETA will provide border control officers with all the necessary information about foreign visitors, including their identity, nationality, and travel plans. In addition, the ETA will allow officers to confirm that a visitor has the right to enter the UK before they arrive at the border. As a result, the scheme is expected to help reduce queues at the points of entry. The UK ETA scheme will make it easier for foreigners to visit the UK while also helping to improve security and efficiency at the border.
Who needs to apply for the UK ETA?
Foreign nationals from non-visa countries will need to apply for the UK ETA. Non-visa countries are countries whose citizens don’t need a visa to enter the UK. However, once the scheme is implemented, they will need to apply for an ETA before they can enter the UK. The reason for this is that the ETA will allow the authorities to track all foreign nationals entering the UK, whether or not they are from a visa-exempt country. This will help to prevent people from overstaying their welcome in the country.
The other benefit of the ETA is that it will allow visitors to stay in the UK for up to 180 days from the date of approval. This will give them sufficient time to enjoy all that the UK has to offer without worrying about overstaying their visa.
How is the application process for the new UK ETA for Exeter?
The UK ETA application process is relatively straightforward and can be done entirely online. Before beginning the application, visitors will need to have a few documents on hand, including a valid electronic passport and a debit or credit card. The application itself will require personal information, such as name, date of birth and contact information.
It is important to note that visitors should not have any previous criminal history and should not have violated immigration policies in the past. We recommend waiting until the ETA application is approved before booking a flight to the UK to avoid any issues upon arrival.
How long does the UK ETA application take to be approved?
It usually takes a few days for visitors to receive approval by email for their UK ETA. However, it’s crucial to check the status of the application often, as there may be a few issues that need to be sorted out before processing the ETA. For example, if the applicant has not provided all of the required supporting documentation or if there are errors in the application, these will need to be corrected before the ETA can be processed.
Can visitors change to a UK visa after arriving in the UK?
No, the ETA does not allow visitors to change their status after arriving in the UK. The ETA is only valid for people who are transiting or visiting the UK for short-term business or pleasure. Visitors that wish to stay in the UK for longer than six months should apply for the appropriate visa before their arrival.
Can visitors enter the UK if their ETA application is denied?
If the electronic visa application (ETA) to the UK is denied, visitors may still be able to enter the country by applying for the appropriate UK visa. The UK offers a number of different types of visas, each of which has its own requirements. For example, the Standard Visitor visa is suitable for tourists, business visitors and family members of UK residents.
Visiting Exeter
Visitors to Exeter can expect to see Exeter Cathedral, a variety of old buildings and monuments, as well as scenic gardens and parks. Other notable sights include the Royal Albert Memorial Museum. Visitors from non-visa countries need to obtain a UK ETA before travelling to the country. ETA applications must be made and approved before travel, so visitors should make sure to apply well before their scheduled time of departure.