The city of Doncaster in Yorkshire has over 2,000 years of history, making it an attractive destination for those who want to stray from the beaten path. Known for its horse races and its important role in the development of the railways and the aviation industry, Doncaster has long been a key regional hub. The new UK ETA for Doncaster lets travellers from around the world visit this city.
A Short History of Doncaster
Even today, Roman ruins can still be found in and around Doncaster. Easily overlooked by the modern visitor, they are a marker of the city’s long history. It was settled as an auxiliary fort 2,000 years ago, chosen for its strategic location between the Roman colonies at York and Lincoln. The Romans founded the fort of Danum on the River Don. Their arrival gradually led a town to grow up around the fort. Even after the Romans left, the town remained. It continued to grow in both size and importance over the following centuries.
Industrial Doncaster
Many of the buildings in and around this town’s market square date from the 18th and 19th centuries, including coaching inns and shops. A fire in the Corn Exchange building in 1994 led to the discovery of a medieval cemetery under the building’s foundations, as well as Roman artefacts.
In 1909, Doncaster Racecourse hosted the UK’s first airshow, attracting airmen from France and the United States to join the local talent. This marked the start of Doncaster’s importance to the aviation industry. Throughout the 20th century, Doncaster played an important role in military aviation. Its airfield, located beside the racecourse, was completed in 1916. This site remained in use until the 1970s.
Horse Racing in Doncaster
The Doncaster Gold Cup was run for the first time in 1766, and it remains one of the oldest horse races in the world. The event runs over a long distance of 2 miles, 1 furlong and 197 yards. Ten years later, St Leger Stakes was introduced. Now the world’s oldest classic horserace, it continues to take place each year in September. The St Leger Stakes is a four-day event that sees thousands of visitors to the city. A strict dress code ensures that the traditional atmosphere remains that of a classic horserace.
Significant Points of Interest
Doncaster Market
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Throughout history, one of the most important local sites has been Doncaster Market. The market was chartered in 1248, although its origins are probably far older. Over the centuries, the market has been known for its important trade in wool, cattle, fish and corn. Today, it continues to play an essential role in town life.
Hall Cross
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Traces of Doncaster’s Roman and medieval past can be seen in various parts of the city. One of the most famous monuments is the Hall Cross. Rebuilt in 1793, this marks an old medieval monument. It is a striking stone pillar topped with a cross and a weather vane, and it lends its name to Doncaster’s oldest school, which dates as far back as 1350.
Rail Heritage Centre
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Today, the Rail Heritage Centre offers information about Doncaster’s interesting railway history. In 1853, the Doncaster Railway Works was established. Over the following decades, it became one of the UK’s most important railway workshops. Over 2,000 locomotives were constructed here, with the most famous being the Flying Scotsman, the first train to achieve a speed of 100 mph. In the post-war period, the railway workshop closed.
Doncaster Racecourse
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The prestigious Doncaster Racecourse is one of the oldest and most important in Britain. Races have been held here since the 16th century. In 1600, attempts were made to stop horse racing due to the rise in crime it caused. However, these failed, and the city embraced the sport instead.
The UK ETA for Doncaster
From 2024, visitors to the United Kingdom will have to go through the new British travel programme, the ETA (electronic travel authorisation). This system is designed to digitalise the country’s borders, allowing the government a greater level of tracking and control over visitors entering and leaving. It will be similar to the American ESTA system or the Canadian eTA.
The ETA will affect those travellers who do not currently require a visa to enter the United Kingdom. This includes visitors from the European Union, as well as the United States, Canada, Australia and more. In total, citizens of 90 different countries will require an ETA to enter the United Kingdom.
In addition to tourists, the ETA will be required for other travellers. Students who are coming to study temporarily in the UK, or people travelling for business trips, must also apply for an ETA. The ETA is required for visitors coming to the country for a period of fewer than six months. Those who travel for longer or plan to work in the United Kingdom will need to apply for a separate visa.
The UK ETA for Doncaster Requirements
Although the system has not been completely finalised yet, a list of UK ETA requirements has been released. In order to apply for an ETA, travellers will need a valid biometric passport. They will also need to give information about the purpose of their visit and their plans while in the UK, as well as provide personal details. Visitors are expected to disclose any criminal or immigration history issues, as well as inform officials of memberships in any proscribed organisations.
Visitors will be expected to provide information about their stay. This includes a valid address while they are in the United Kingdom, which might be a hotel, a friend’s house or other accommodation. If a traveller is planning to move around the country, they may need to provide full details of their itinerary, along with the various addresses at which they will be staying.
The UK ETA for Doncaster Application Process
Applying for the UK ETA for Doncaster will take place online, with no alternative submission options available. Travellers should apply in advance of their trip. Although the form is only expected to take ten minutes to complete, processing may take up to 72 hours. Visitors will not be allowed to enter the UK until their ETA form has been approved, so it is essential to have it ready before travelling.
The ETA form is required for all visitors entering the UK, whether they are travelling by air, sea or land. There is a fee attached to the form, which must be paid in full before the ETA approval process can begin.
Travelling in the UK With an ETA
With a valid UK ETA for Doncaster, travellers will be able to visit all four constituent countries of the United Kingdom. This means that they can go between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland without needing to reapply or acquire a different form. Visitors who wish to extend their stay will not be able to convert their ETA into a long-term visa while in the UK and will probably have to exit the country to begin the visa application process.
The ETA will remain valid for six months from its date of issuance. Once their ETA has expired, travellers will need to repeat the application process should they wish to visit the UK again. For more information about travelling to the UK under the new ETA system, here are some frequently asked questions.
A Trip to Doncaster With a UK ETA
From its humble beginnings as a Roman fort to a thriving modern city, Doncaster has plenty to offer the curious traveller. Horseracing enthusiasts flock to this city, as well as those with a keen interest in history. Be sure to apply for the new ETA before beginning your journey. Allowing enough time for processing will help avoid stress or hassle on your trip to Doncaster.