As a prerequisite for travel to the United Kingdom from January 8th , Guyanese will have to apply for Electronic Travel Authorisations and if this is denied will have to go through a visa application process, the British High Commission has announced.
“Starting 8 January 2025, it is mandatory for all Guyanese nationals travelling to the UK without a visa to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). This new requirement applies to most visa-exempt travellers and is part of the UK’s efforts to enhance border security and improve the travel experience,” the High Commission said in a statement.
“Travellers arriving in the UK on 8 January 2025 must secure ETA approval beforehand, so those flying late on 7 January 2025 should ensure their ETA is in place. If an application is refused, travellers must apply for a UK visa.”
Applications for an ETA can be done via the UK ETA app — available on Apple Store and Google Play Store — or through the official GOV.UK website.
“The process is simple, takes less than 15 minutes, and costs £10. Decisions are typically provided within three working days, and app users may receive quicker responses. Once approved, the ETA will allow multiple trips to the UK for up to six months per visit, lasting either two years or until the passport linked to the application expires — whichever comes first,” the release explained.
The ETA requirement does not apply to British or Irish passport holders, or those travelling to the Turks and Caicos Islands or other British Overseas Territories.
Two years ago, the United Kingdom had announced that holders of Guyanese passports would be allowed visa-free entry for up to six months for business and leisure.
“Today is a historic day for the UK/Guyana relations and I am delighted to inform you that as of the 9th November [2022], those with a valid Guyanese passport can visit the UK visa-free,” British High Commissioner to Guyana Jane Miller had announced at a joint press conference with President Irfaan Ali at her Bel Air Gardens residence.
Those seeking long stays or to study and work still required the requisite visas. The UK envoy had noted that the waiver for this country should be seen as a sign of the confidence her country has in Guyana. “Together with the direct flights that will be happening at the end of March with British Airways, we believe that this change is going to be transformative to our already strong relationship,” she had said.
The visa waiver took effect shortly before a visit here by prospective UK investors. “We hope that with this visa lift, we will welcome many Guyanese to the UK to explore further business opportunities,” the High Commissioner had also said.
President Ali had appealed to Guyanese to not abuse the system and echoed the view of confidence in this country, as he had credited the High Commissioner for her input in making the decision a reality.
He also added that he was “…sure every Guyanese would want me to express our gratitude to the UK government.”
British Airways began flying to Georgetown in March 2023, and visa-free access for Guyanese was seen as helping to boost traffic between the two countries.
Meanwhile, Guyanese travellers are urged to apply early to ease delays as the High Commission explained that the introduction of the ETA system “aligns with the UK’s commitment to making travel safer and more efficient, mirroring similar systems used in the US and Australia.”
The ETA application process and form can be found by clicking the following link.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta
