Citizens of St.Kitts and Nevis can avail visa-free access to the United Kingdom (UK) through the upcoming rollout of the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme.
Starting November 27, 2024, nationals of St. Kitts and Nevis will be able to apply for the UK ETA using an app or online portal. This new ETA system will officially come into effect on January 08, 2025. The ETA will allow for multiple entries into the UK over a period of two years or until the expiration of the traveller’s passport, whichever is sooner.
The introduction of the UK ETA is part of the UK’s efforts to enhance border security while ensuring smoother entry for non-visa nationals. UK ETA will cost nominal fee of £10. The UK ETA will be required for nationals travelling for stays of less than six months, including holidays, short-term study, and business trips.
Applicants will be subjected to automated scrutiny of identity based on adverse information on national security databases, self-declared criminality, involvement in war crimes, terrorism or extremism. ETA application can be refused on grounds of criminal background, breach of immigration laws, public safety and false representation. If refused , they need to apply for UK visa.
The ETA approved applicants are not allowed of the following:
- marry or register a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage or civil partnership
- stay in the UK for longer than 6 months
- do paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person,
- claim public funds (benefits)
- live in the UK through frequent or successive visits.