As of Wednesday (8), Brazilians planning to visit the United Kingdom will have to comply with a new rule: obtaining an electronic authorization, called an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization). The requirement applies to tourist or business trips lasting up to six months and, surprisingly, also to those who only make a stopover in the country.
For stays longer than six months, the need to apply for the traditional visa remains valid.
Applying for the ETA is done digitally and costs 10 pounds sterling (about R$ 78). You must send a photo and a scanned copy of your passport. The permit, which is valid for two years, is linked to your passport number. If you lose or renew your passport, you will need to apply for a new ETA. There is no need to print the document. However, it is worth noting that the permit does not guarantee permanent entry to the UK, as the traveler will still go through immigration control on arrival.
According to the British Home Office, the measure is part of a larger project to modernize and strengthen border security. Similar systems have already been adopted by countries such as the United States and Australia, while the European Union plans to launch ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) in 2025. This new European model will be valid for three years and will affect travelers from more than 60 countries, including Brazil, Canada and the United Kingdom itself. The authorization does not apply to citizens of countries that need a visa to enter the UK, including the Chinese, Indians or South Africans.
