Saint Lucia’s High Commission in London has disclosed that Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETA’s) being introduced globally for visitors to the United Kingdom, are no reflection on Saint Lucians.
A Commission release noted that the system applies to individuals who do not currently need a visa for short stays, or who do not already have a UK immigration status.
“What is clear, is that this system is not a reflection on Saint Lucians, the country, or the Government. It will be applied globally and will cover citizens of countries such as the United States of America, Canada, Australia, the European Union, Vatican City, and all others who do not require a visa to enter the United Kingdom,” the release stated.
The complete statement appears below:
- Last year the UK announced that it would be joining a number of countries including the USA, Canada, and the EU in introducing what is called the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), a new travel arrangement for citizens of all countries which do not require visas to travel to the UK.
- The new regime commenced in November 2023 with the State of Qatar and was followed in the first quarter of 2024 by certain Gulf and Arab states. It is intended to be applied to Caribbean and other countries which do not require visas to travel to the UK in late 2024 and early 2025. In the case of Saint Lucia, the effective date is January 08, 2025. Electronic bulletins issued by the UK authorities state as follows:
“Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETA’s) are being introduced worldwide for visitors to the UK who do not currently need a visa for short stays, or who do not already have a UK immigration status. Eligible non-Europeans can now apply for an ETA and will need an ETA to travel from 8 January 2025”.
- What is clear, is that this system is not a reflection on Saint Lucians, the country, or the Government. It will be applied globally and will cover citizens of countries such as the United States of America, Canada, Australia, the European Union, Vatican City, and all others who do not require a visa to enter the United Kingdom.
- The only persons who are exempt from the requirement to obtain an ETA for travel to the UK are:
- Those who require a visa to enter the UK;
- Those who have permission to live, work or study in the UK;
- British or Irish citizens.
- A number of countries already have Electronic Travel Authorisation regimes in operation, including the USA and Canada. Saint Lucians do not need an ETA to travel to the USA as they are required to obtain visas for travel to that country. However, they do require an ETA for travel to Canada and the EU, as they do not require visas for travel to those countries.
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