The United Kingdom has announced plans to introduce Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for non-visa travelers starting in 2025.
The Maldivian Foreign Ministry said that this would include Maldivian non-visa holders traveling to the UK.
It said the government of the UK has informed that the main objective of the changes is to digitize and further strengthen the country’s border control security, prevent abuse of the immigration system, and introduce additional security measures before entering the UK.
The Foreign Ministry said starting from 27th November 2024, travelers from 49 countries can request the ETA, and that this includes Maldivians too. The Ministry also informed that from 8th January 2025, citizens from these 49 countries will require an ETA to enter the UK.
It added that from 02 April 2025, citizens of all countries, except UK and Irish citizens, traveling to the UK will be required to apply for an ETA before traveling to the UK.
The ETA is a digital permit linked to the traveler’s passport, costing £10, and allowing multiple entries into the UK for up to six months at a time over two years. The application process is available through the UK ETA app and is dependent on nationality.
The Foreign Ministry advised Maldivians traveling to the UK to pay attention to these changes and comply with UK immigration rules.
