Australians bound for the UK will need to register and pay for a new digital pre-travel screening document before boarding a plane from early next year.
The UK government has added Australia to the list of countries that must have a UK electronic travel authorization (ETA).
The ETA is not a visa, but a digital permit to travel to the UK for visitors who previously did not need a visa.
Previously it was only required of travelers arriving from various Middle Eastern countries.
The measure has been expanded to other countries, including Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan, Canada, Norway and Mexico.
Australian travelers will need to apply to the UK government website or the UK ETA mobile app, available on Apple and Android smartphones.
The fee is £10 (approximately AUD$20) and the ETA will be valid for two years or until the passport expires.
ETA applications opened on Wednesday, but will only be needed for Australian travelers arriving in the UK from January 8.
The UK government has added Australia to the list of countries that must have a UK electronic travel authorization (ETA) (file image)
An ETA allows multiple trips to the UK and stays of up to six months per trip.
The ETA must be approved before boarding a flight to the UK and most applicants receive a response within three business days.
The requirements for an ETA are a valid Australian passport, a digital photograph and a credit or debit card for payment.
Applicants will also be asked to answer a series of personal questions.
Australians with dual British or Irish citizenship do not need an ETA if they travel with their British passport, Irish passport or another passport containing a certificate of entitlement.
In 2023, visitors from Australia, the US and Canada contributed £8.8 billion (A$17 billion) to the UK economy.
Minister of Migration and Citizenship, Seema Malhotra, said: “This expansion of ETA is an important step forward towards achieving a border that is efficient and fit for the digital age.”
“Through light checks before people set foot in the UK, we will keep our country safe while ensuring visitors have a seamless travel experience.”