Australian travellers will soon need to apply for permission to enter the UK under changes to its border security system.
The UK government is digitising its border security and last year launched its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme.
The program will eventually require all visitors who do not need a visa and were not born in the UK or Ireland to seek permission to travel before their arrival.
On Wednesday, the UK government announced the scheme would be expanded to include travellers from non-European countries, including Australia, later this year. ETA applications will open on November 27, however, not be required to travel until January 8, 2025.
“The worldwide expansion of the ETA demonstrates our commitment to enhance security through new technology and embedding a modern immigration system.”
The scheme is already in place for travellers from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
