UK Border Force officials expect the new Electronic Travel Authorization process to be fully implemented by early 2025.
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Business aircraft operators and general aviation airports will have to adapt to new UK border control processes resulting from the implementation of the country’s Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) requirements. The program is being gradually implemented following its launch in November and is expected to be extended to include European Union, U.S., and Canadian citizens by early 2025.
Addressing the British Business and General Aviation Association conference in London on Thursday, Nigel Farminer, deputy director of passenger policy and border transformation with the UK Border Force, said the implementation of ETA is being gradually expanded. For now, it applies only to citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council states and Jordan and is not being fully enforced if travelers have not completed the process.
According to Farminer, ETA will help border control officials take “a more holistic and rounded approach” to the risk assessment they conduct when deciding whether it is necessary to screen passengers in person when a business aircraft arrives in the UK. Last month, David Neal, the UK’s independent chief inspector of borders and immigration, was fired after alleging that the UK Border Force has failed to screen passengers on business jets arriving at London City Airport, provoking concern over security measures.
ETA clearances—which will be valid for two years or until a passport expires—cover multiple trips to the UK. The responsibility for ensuring passengers hold the approval to travel to the UK will lie with aircraft operators, and Farminer said they will need to adjust the way they submit passenger information.
In October, the European Union will implement its new Entry-Exit System for non-EU citizens. This will involve fingerprint and facial scanning checks that will require travelers to complete an in-person enrollment process on their first visit to an EU state after the system takes effect.
Aircraft Operators and FBOs Face New UK Border Controls
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Business aircraft operators and general aviation airports will have to adapt new UK border control processes resulting from the implementation of the country’s Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) requirements. The program is being gradually implemented following its launch in November and is expected to be extended to include European Union, U.S., and Canadian citizens by early next year.
Addressing the British Business and General Aviation Association conference in London today, Nigel Farminer, deputy director of passenger policy and border transformation with the UK Border Force, said the implementation of ETA is being gradually expanded. For now, it applies only to citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council states and Jordan and is not being fully enforced if travelers have not completed the process.
ETA clearances—which will be valid for two years or until a passport expires—cover multiple trips to the UK. The responsibility for ensuring passengers hold the approval to travel to the UK will lie with aircraft operators, and Farminer said they will need to adjust the way they submit passenger information.
In October, the European Union will implement its new Entry-Exit System for non-EU citizens. This will involve fingerprint and facial scanning checks that will require travelers to complete an in-person enrollment process on their first visit to an EU state after the system takes effect.