UK travellers will need authorisation next month

Travellers to the UK are being warned that they will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation or ETA from April.

The website to get an ETA opened yesterday.

Nearly a million Swiss nationals visit the UK every year – London is by far the most popular destination from Geneva airport with more than 2 million passengers every year.

Every traveller, including babies, will need their own ETA. A multi entry 2-year pass will cost £10 a person – about CHF 11.50. Authorization will normally be given immediately, but the UK government recommends applying at least three days before travel. 

The only people exempt are UK or Irish nationals. 

A UK ETA is not needed for the Republic of Ireland, but you will need one for Northern Ireland. 

There is an exception for some school trips. 

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