What are the new travel rules for visiting Scotland? How does it affect dual nationals?
Visitors coming to Scotland from places like Europe, Australia, Canada and the US will be affected by the changes.
Visitors to Scotland will now need to apply for digital permission to enter the country, as a new travel system comes into effect.
As of February 25, visitors from 85 countries worldwide will need to apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) before entering the UK.
The UK Government hopes the new system will improve the immigration system, but there are concerns it will create problems for dual nationals.
What is an ETA?
An ETA is digital permission to travel to the UK.
It will allow people to stay in the UK for up to six months if they are visiting for tourism, business or short-term study.
It will be valid for two years, or until your passport expires, and allows for multiple journeys to the UK.
ETAs are digitally linked to passports, so there is no need to carry a paper copy. The ETA also does not give you the right to enter the UK, so you will still need to pass through border control and can still be turned away.
Several other countries use ETAs already, including Canada and the US.
Who needs an ETA?
ETAs will be needed for those visiting the UK from Europe, the USA, Australia, Canada, and a number of other countries.
If visitors are coming from a country that previously required a visa to enter the UK, they may still be required to obtain a visa rather than an ETA.
Do you need an ETA for connections in the UK?
If you are crossing the border and travelling through the UK as part of a wider journey, you will need an ETA.
You do not need an ETA if you are transiting through a UK airport and do not go through border control.
Read more: Travelling to see Scotland in the World Cup? Here's what you need to know on visas, passports, fees
What if I am visiting for longer?
Longer trips of more than six months, trips for work or longer study, require a visa rather than an ETA.
Those who need a visa to travel to the UK do not need to apply for an ETA as well.
Are there exemptions?
British and Irish citizens do not need an ETA.
Those with settled status and children travelling from France to the UK on a school trip are also exempt.
How much does it cost and how to get one?
An ETA costs £16, but it is set to go up to £20 in the future.
The UK Government recommends people get an ETA by downloading the UK ETA app. You will need to provide contact and passport details, a suitable photograph, and answer a set of questions.
While most people will get an automatic response to their application within minutes on the app, the UK Government recommends people apply at least three working days before travel.
What if my application is rejected or refused?
If your ETA application is rejected, a reason will be given and you can apply again.
However, if your application is refused, this cannot be appealed and you will instead need to apply for a visa to enter the UK.
What about dual nationals?
Dual nationals, those who are citizens of both the UK and another country, cannot get an ETA.
They will need to show a British passport or a new digital version of their certificate of entitlement attached to their second nationality passport to enter the UK.
British passports and certificates of entitlement are not automatically issued to those who obtain UK citizenship, so dual nationals may need to apply for a British passport if they have never had one before.
British passports cost around £100 and a certificate of entitlements cost £589, and can take several weeks to process.
Previously, dual nationals had been able to leave the UK and return on their non-British passport.
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