Australians bound for the UK will need to register and pay for a new digital pre-travel screening document before boarding the plane from tomorrow.
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 did not previously 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.
The ETA will be required for Australian travelers arriving in the UK from 8 January.
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 allows stays of up to six months per trip for two years or until the holder’s passport expires.
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.