UK-bound Aussies will need to register and pay for a new digital pre-travel screening document before getting on the plane from early next year.
The UK government has added Australia to the list of countries required to have a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
The ETA is not a visa, but a digital permission to travel to the UK for visitors who previously did not require a visa.
It had previously only been required for travellers arriving from several Middle Eastern countries.
The measure has been expanded to other countries including Australia, New Zealand, the US, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan, Canada, Norway and Mexico.
Aussie travellers will need to apply on 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 passport expiration.
Applications for an ETA opened on Wednesday, but will only be needed for Aussie travellers arriving in the UK from January 8.
The UK government has added Australia to the list of countries required to have a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) (stock image)
An ETA allows multiple journeys to the UK and permits 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 working days.
The requirements for an ETA are a valid Australian passport, digital photo, and a credit or debit card for payment.
Applicants will also need to answer a set of personal questions.
Australians with dual British or Irish citizenship don’t need an ETA if they are travelling using their British passport, Irish passport or other passport that contains a certificate of entitlement.
In 2023, visitors from Australia, USA and Canada contributed £8.8billion (AUD$17billion) to the UK economy.
Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Seema Malhotra MP, said: ‘This expansion of ETA is a significant step forward in delivering a border that’s efficient and fit for the digital age.’
‘Through light-touch screening before people step foot in the UK, we will keep our country safe while ensuring visitors have a smooth travel experience.’
