| Flash |
| New requirement: The United Kingdom is imposing an electronic travel authorization (ETA) for visitors. |
| Cost: Students must pay a fee of £10 for the ETA. |
| Applicability: This requirement applies to students from Yale and other prestigious institutions. |
| Fast approval: Most ETA applications receive approval in just a few minutes. |
| Impact on study costs: This increases the overall costs of studying abroad. |
| Advice: Students are encouraged to apply in advance to avoid delays. |
| Concerned citizens: Currently, citizens from certain visa-exempt countries such as the United States must comply with this requirement. |
| Processing time: Generally, it can take up to three working days to process applications. |
A new travel authorization requirement #
Since January 8, 2025, the United Kingdom has established a requirement for an electronic travel authorization for nationals of visa-exempt countries. This new measure significantly affects foreign students wishing to visit the country for summer studies, particularly those from Yale. Students will now need to submit personal information and pay a fee of £10, approximately $12.
Purpose of the electronic authorization #
According to the UK Home Office, the primary objective of this requirement is to enhance border security by allowing the government to better understand visitors. This measure aims to act as a barrier against potential threats. Applications are generally processed quickly, although wait times of up to three days can occur for certain applications.
Recommendations for Yale students #
Kelly McLaughlin, director of Yale’s study abroad program, recommends that students submit their authorization application at least one week before their departure. Although the process is quick, it is wise not to rely on same-day approval upon submission.
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ETA application process #
To obtain the travel authorization, visitors must complete a form containing contact information and details about their passport. A valid photo is also required. Those without a smartphone can still access the form via the government website.
Impact on students’ budgets #
The additional cost of the ETA has raised questions among students, particularly regarding how it might impact their study abroad budget. McLaughlin notes that the international scholarship program is considering incorporating this expense into its budget, even though there is already a component for various fees.
Students’ reactions to rising costs #
Students like Modhupa Tsali, who plans to attend the London School of Economics, believe that the £10 fee is not a significant barrier. It is relatively minor compared to other costs associated with their enrollment. Their registration fees were already £50 at the time of their application.
Similarly, Callum Legendre, from the UK, is skeptical about the improvement of border security. Feedback from individuals who have lived there indicates that most threats come from domestic terrorism, thus questioning the effectiveness of these new measures.
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Next steps and implications #
Applications for the Yale in London program must be submitted by March 4. Students need to ensure that their travel authorization is obtained in a timely manner to avoid potential complications related to their travel. The implications of this requirement should raise awareness among future applicants regarding the increasing challenges of financing study abroad.
This ETA requirement raises questions about the accessibility of study abroad opportunities and the associated costs. The current situation represents a new reality in the educational journey of Yale students, as well as a challenge to the internationalization of higher education.
