Guyanese face new requirement as electronic authorisation needed to visit the UK from 2025

As of January 8, 2025, Guyanese will need more than just their travel bags and passports to visit the United Kingdom (UK).

They’ll require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), a new digital checkpoint introduced by the UK Government which will be extended to 49 countries from January.

This change marks a significant shift from the recent visa-free travel that Guyanese citizens enjoyed since the latter part of 2022.

Over the last two years, the UK has been welcoming Guyanese travelers with visa-free access.

However, from the first week of January, along with travelers from 48 other countries and territories, Guyanese will need to secure this digital pass to enter the UK.

The ETA, which costs £10, allows for multiple visits to the UK, each stay lasting up to six months.

Altogether, it can be valid for two years or until the passport expires.

Applications for the ETA will open on November 27, 2024, and can be completed online or via the UK ETA app.

This digital authorisation is designed to enhance security checks and streamline the immigration process, ensuring a smoother and more secure travel experience, the UK Government has said.