Concerns are rising that the UK’s new visa-waiver system, set to begin this April, could overwhelm immigration services and harm Northern Ireland’s tourism sector.
The electronic travel authorisation (ETA) system will require visitors from visa-exempt countries to obtain pre-travel clearance online for £10. Similar to the U.S.’s ESTA system, the ETA has already been implemented for travelers from Gulf states and is now expanding to include citizens from around 50 countries, such as Brazil, Japan, and New Zealand.
Immigration experts warn that the Home Office could face significant strain. Nicolas Rollason, a partner at the law firm Kingsley Napley, highlighted the challenges expected when the system applies to air, Eurostar, and ferry travelers starting April. “The Home Office expects 30 million applications annually. Even if just 1% are diverted to the visa system, it could cause severe backlogs,” Rollason said. He added that delays could impact European and U.S. travelers, creating long queues and logistical issues.
Rollason also pointed out the ETA’s potential impact on business travelers and artists accustomed to short working trips to the UK. Under the system, those with criminal convictions resulting in a prison sentence of 12 months or more, even if suspended decades ago, must apply for a visa. “This policy is overly harsh,” Rollason noted. “It punishes individuals who have been rehabilitated and is unfair to foreigners with old convictions.”
Impact on Northern Ireland’s Tourism
Tourism in Northern Ireland could be particularly affected. The ETA may discourage visitors traveling from Dublin from crossing the border due to added bureaucracy, potentially harming the post-peace tourism boom. Major events like the Open Championship golf tournament and attractions like Belfast’s Titanic Experience may see reduced visitor numbers.
Stormont economy minister Conor Murphy criticized the ETA as “a kick in the teeth.” While European residents in the Republic of Ireland are exempt from the requirement within the common travel area, Murphy believes this exemption should extend to tourists crossing the border. He raised these concerns with UK migration minister Seema Malhotra.
Home Office Response
A government spokesperson defended the ETA, calling it a step toward a more secure and efficient digital immigration system. The Home Office stated its commitment to working with stakeholders to ensure the ETA does not deter cross-border tourism in Ireland.
However, reports suggest some passengers, especially in the U.S., are unaware of the new requirement, arriving at airports without ETAs. While no significant disruptions have been reported yet, critics worry that the system’s broader rollout could lead to complications for travelers and strain on immigration infrastructure.