The United Kingdom announced the implementation of a new Electronic Travels Authorization scheme that requires permission and a fee before visits.

   According to USA Today, U.S. citizens will be included in the group of travelers that visit or transit through the U.K. without a visa or special immigration status. Although the U.S. is a visa-free nationality, it doesn’t outweigh the new implementation that will be established fully by the end of 2023. 

   By the request of permission to enter the country and submission of a small fee, the United Kingdom will collect more accurate data about their visitation and secure protection of their borders.

   The online process requires a passport, travel details, an email address, and a credit or debit payment. It only takes a few minutes a few days prior and is estimated to be approved between 48 to 72 hours compared to the estimated eight to eleven weeks for passports. The granted permission does not give the same ability as a regular visa or passport. Business, tourism, study, and medical treatment are usable for up to six months, but other reasons can last for two years.

   “The ETA is not a visa,” the U.K. government said. “Europeans and travelers from other countries including the US and Canada will maintain their visa-free status but will need an ETA to cross the U.K. border.”

   The U.S. also implemented an ETA, a requirement for a cost of $21 as well as the European Union in the consideration of an ETA.