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In our last episode of the year, Jonathan Nagel provides an advisory update on the new European travel systems, and Gabriel Castro and Kristi Ngo suggest their favorite immigration-themed books, movies and media you may want to discover over the holidays.
Explore more episodes of the BAL Immigration Report podcast, available on Apple, Spotify and the BAL immigration news page.
This podcast has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice Group.
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In this week’s extended episode, special guest Stuart Anderson joins the BAL Immigration Report to discuss this year’s key developments in immigration policy–from H-1B denial rates and O-1 visa guidance to humanitarian parole programs and immigration rhetoric during the election.
Stuart Anderson is the executive director of the National Foundation for American Policy, a nonpartisan public policy research organization focusing on trade, immigration and related issues, and a senior contributor to Forbes. He joined the BAL Immigration Report to discuss key developments in immigration policy and events in 2024 with BAL partner Edward Rios.
Looking forward, the European Union is currently in the process of implementing two separate but interconnected systems that will soon have a tremendous impact on non-EU citizens traveling to most EU countries. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom is expanding its worldwide rollout of its new electronic travel authorization (ETA) system that will have a major impact on travel and transit through the U.K. in 2025 and beyond.
Presently, countries like the United States and Canada have similar ETA systems already in place that act as a digital permit for certain individuals to travel to or transit through these countries. These existing digital infrastructures collect traveler data, assess risk and grant entry via a digital process, specifically allowing eligible foreign travelers to enter without a visa. Across the world, similar programs are either in place currently or being introduced to allow more countries the ability to screen travelers before they arrive and increase visibility and security.
ETAs represent a modern approach to border control and visa management that is transforming the world’s travel experience. More and more countries are installing ETA systems to simplify the application process and increase security. In recent years, the ETA has become a vital digital process for international travelers.
Here is a look at the essential features and functions of ETAs through a breakdown of the major travel registration systems currently in place and those set to be released in the future — and, more importantly, what your company can do to prepare.
One of the most well-known ETA systems is the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) online service in the United States for those who wish to travel under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). These travelers must apply for authorization via an automated system that determines VWP eligibility for U.S. inbound travel. Authorization via ESTA does not determine whether a traveler is admissible; rather, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials determine admissibility upon travelers’ arrival. The ESTA application collects biographic information and asks questions regarding VWP eligibility. Travelers are encouraged to apply as soon as they begin preparing travel plans or prior to purchasing airline tickets.
Canada’s electronic travel authorization (eTA) is required for visa-exempt foreign nationals traveling by air and is valid for up to five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. American citizens, including American Canadian citizens, do not need an eTA to enter Canada. These individuals still must carry proper identification and meet the basic requirements to enter Canada. Authorities launched the eTA system in 2016 for visa-exempt air travelers, and it is electronically linked to a traveler’s passport. With a valid eTA, eligible foreign nationals can travel to Canada as often as desired for short stays — up to six months at a time. Four types of travelers need an eTA to enter Canada, and applicants can apply for an eTA on the official Government of Canada website.
Australia was one of the first countries to implement an ETA system with the Subclass 601, Electronic Travel Authority that allows eligible foreign nationals to visit Australia as often as desired in a 12-month period with stays of up to three months each time. Different from the U.S. and Canada, this system is not meant for visa-free nationals — who can still enter Australia with just their passport for tourism/business — but rather for those nationals who require a visa (e.g., Indian nationals). With this visa, individuals can visit as a tourist or arrive as a business visitor. This visa is temporary and does not require a fee; however, there is an application service fee of AU$20 (about US$13) to use the Australian ETA app. Individuals must be outside of Australia when they apply for the ETA and outside of Australia when the visa is granted.
Introduced in 2019, the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) is for visitors from visa-waiver countries (including Korean nationals) traveling to or transiting through New Zealand. Individuals can apply online through the official Immigration New Zealand (INZ) website or mobile app. Applicants need to provide a passport number, nationality and reference number. The NZeTA costs NZ$9 (about US$5) when requested through the INZ mobile app and NZ$12 (about US$7) when requested through the website form. It is valid for up to two years and can be used for multiple visits within that time frame.
The South Korean government implemented the Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) on Sept. 1, 2021. Nationals of countries who are eligible for visa-free entry need to obtain K-ETA approval in advance to board flights or ships bound for the Republic of Korea.
The government currently exempts certain travelers from 67 visa-exempt countries from the K-ETA requirement but this exemption is due to expire on Dec. 31, 2024. Unless the South Korean government announces otherwise, the K-ETA requirement will be reintroduced as of Jan. 1, 2025, and travelers who plan to enter after this date must have an approved K-ETA authorization.
These new electronic travel registration systems are still in the process of being finalized, and plans and details on how each system will function may change.
The Entry/Exit System (EES) is an automated IT system for registering non-EU nationals who are traveling for a short stay to any of the European countries using the system.
Non-EU nationals are those who do not hold the nationality of any European Union country or the nationality of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. These individuals will be required to register through the EES each time they cross the external borders of any of the participating countries for a short stay, whether they possess a short-stay visa or do not need a visa to stay for a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period.
Registration exemptions in the EES do apply, and more information can be found here. The EES will not affect people traveling within the Schengen area; it applies only to third-country nationals as they enter or exit the area.
The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is targeted to launch in 2025. ETIAS will require travelers from visa-exempt countries and territories to apply for a travel authorization in order to visit any of the 30 European countries implementing ETIAS for a short-term stay. A valid ETIAS travel authorization will be linked to a traveler’s passport and will be valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. Individuals will need to get a new ETIAS travel authorization if a new passport is acquired. The registration cost will be €7 (about US$7 — free for travelers under 18 or over 70) and allow for short-term stays — in line with current Schengen rules (normally for up to 90 days in any 180-day period) — for tourism, business or transit purposes. Certain visitors, workers, students and others must still obtain the relevant work permits, student permits, residence permits, etc.
The U.K. recently launched its Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system for certain visitors who do not need a visa on short stays in the U.K. (including European nationals) or those who do not already have a U.K. immigration status prior to traveling. An ETA costs £10 (about US$13), permits multiple journeys and is valid for two years or until the holder’s passport expires, whichever is sooner.
Under the ETA system, visitors will be allowed to stay in the U.K. for up to six months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business or study, or three months under the creative worker visa concession.
For more information on the EU’s ETIAS and the U.K. ETA, check out our in-depth breakdown of the two most significant travel systems coming in 2025.
The second-largest economy in Southeast Asia is implementing an ETA system to increase tourism and spur economic growth. The new ETA system coincides with government expansion of visa-free and visa-on-arrival programs to include additional nationalities. Thai officials recently stated the ETA will apply to visa-free (15- and 30-day stays), visa-on-arrival and visa exemption (60-day stay) travelers of all nationalities, with no exemptions for any non-Thai citizens.
The ETA will not be mandatory for long-term visa holders (including nonimmigrant visas), Destination Thailand Visa holders or holders of tourist visas that are issued by the embassy prior to entry. Holders of diplomatic passports will be exempt from the ETA.
Once the system is launched, applications are expected to be available via the existing e-visa platform; however, the official channel has not yet been announced. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not yet released all pertinent details, and the start date remains tentative, with further changes to the applicable visa types possible.
The expansion of ETA systems around the world highlights a growing trend in border security. Specifically, border management authorities are focusing on new ways to improve security and increase efficiency. In support of these efforts, authorities are also exploring digitizing travel credentials and enhancing data-sharing agreements along with ETAs to improve travel safety and capacity.
Recently, the EU Commission proposed an “EU Digital Travel application” to digitize passports and identity cards for individuals traveling to and from the Schengen area. This common framework, expected to become available in 2030, would create digital travel credentials for both EU citizens and non-EU citizens when completing systematic checks at EU external borders. These new rules for digital passports and ID cards are designed to make it easier for authorities to verify the authenticity and integrity of travel documents, deter migrant smuggling and detect fraudulent documentation.
In 2023, almost 600 million crossings were recorded at EU external borders. Officials say this number indicates a need to speed up border controls and ensure smoother travel, while maintaining a high level of security. Since 2021, the Schengen strategy has committed to further digitizing procedures at external borders, and the Commission’s Digital Decade framework showcases the EU’s efforts to ensure the digital transformation in Europe in the next decade.
In Canada, the government signed an agreement with EU officials to enhance border security, specifically creating a new information-sharing agreement between the two organizations concerning the transfer and processing of passenger name record (PNR) data. The new agreement forms a legal basis for the transfer and use of PNR data from flights departing from the EU to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). CBSA can use the data to assess the risk of travelers before their arrival in Canada and identify potential security threats. Air carriers will collect information such as number of bags, payment method, seat selection and frequent flyer numbers. Canadian officials stated the agreement strengthens law enforcement cooperation between Canada and EU partners while ensuring strong privacy protections for passengers.
These actions and policies highlight the emerging digital trend in border security guided by principles of secure and sustainable digital infrastructures. With more innovations expected soon, the new ETA systems, digitized travel credentials and increased data-sharing initiatives demonstrate a digital travel transformation currently taking place across the world.
What can travelers do to prepare?
Travelers can take several concrete actions now to prepare for these new travel registration programs:
What can employers do to prepare?
Employers also can consider initiatives to take now to prepare for the new travel registration programs:
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