Mr. Speaker,
On November 23, 2023, a press release relating to the UK’s implementation of an Electronic Travel Authorisation was communicated to the Bermuda public. In that release I stated that the UK began work on this scheme on October 25, 2023. Today, I rise to today in this Honourable House to provide a status update on this project.
Mr. Speaker,
An ETA gives travellers of specific nationalities permission to travel to the UK; without the need to obtain a visa. The UK’s ETA scheme is being implemented in a phased manner, on a nationality-by-nationality basis, to ensure systems and processes operate effectively. The scheme will apply to those travellers visiting or transiting the UK, who do not currently need a visa for short stays or do not have a valid UK immigration status prior to travelling.
Mr. Speaker,
As the UK continues to implement this scheme, on February 1, 2024, the Home Office published a Fact Sheet which emphasizes that the transformation and digitisation of the UK border would “enable a more efficient customer experience and cement the UK as a world leader in border security.” It also highlights that the scheme is open for nationals of Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Jordan, who require an ETA to travel to the UK.
Mr Speaker,
As a result of these most recent changes nationals from Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Jordan who have obtained a valid UK ETA will be permitted entry into Bermuda provided they possess a valid UK ETA and passport which is valid for 45 days from their intended date of departure from Bermuda.
Mr. Speaker,
I can also advise that the Home Office confirmed that British Overseas Territories Citizens (BOTC) are exempt from the ETA requirement, in the same way that British Citizen (BC) passport holders are exempt. This means that, as is currently the case, when visiting the UK, BOTCs will be able to travel to the UK without an ETA, provided they travel using their BOTC or BC passport.
For more information, persons should access the GOV.UK website and search “Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme factsheet – February 2024.”
Thank You, Mr. Speaker.