BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – CITIZENS of St. Kitts and Nevis are being reminded that they must apply for the United Kingdom’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for short-term travel.
This new requirement takes effect today (Jan. 8), with the British High Commission in Barbados advising Kittitian and Nevisian travellers to complete the ETA application at least 72 hours before arriving at any UK border.
In a statement, the High Commission explained that the ETA, which costs £10, is a “major step forward in digitising and streamlining the UK border.”
While many may perceive this as a visa, it is important to note that it is not a visa but an authorisation that allows a tourists to enter the country.
“It is applicable to travellers who do not require a visa to travel to the UK and who intend to spend 6 months or less in the country,” the statement explained.
The High Commission also noted that the application process is simple. Applicants can download the ‘UK ETA app’ from Google Play or the Apple App Store, or visit GOV.UK to complete their application. Applicants typically receive a decision within three working days but may get a quicker decision if they use the UK ETA app. During the ETA process, travellers will answer a series of questions and provide some basic personal information.
This expansion follows the successful rollout of ETAs to Gulf Cooperation Council nationals last year. In the first half of 2024, over 243,000 Gulf nationals were issued ETAs and can now benefit from smoother, easier travel to the UK for short trips.
