U.K.’s New ETA System Denying Some U.S. Travelers Over Criminal Records

The U.K.’s new electronic travel authorization (ETA) is giving some U.S. travelers troubles, especially those with prior criminal convictions. 

Americans with years-old criminal records have been denied the ETA, while others have been experiencing issues completing the online form, according to The Wall Street Journal. 

Launched in January, the ETA requirement asks for a photo, personal details, passport information, and a £10 application fee, and can be completed either through the official U.K. government website or through the U.K. ETA app on iOS or Google.  

According to the U.K. Home Office, most applicants are processed within seconds and get an automatic decision. However, those who report criminality will each have their application reviewed by a case worker. 

A traveler may be denied the ETA if they have been convicted of a crime in the last 12 months or have ever been convicted and received a custodial sentence of 12 months or more.  

In an email to TMR, a U.K. Home Office spokesperson said that the ETA process is “in line with the approach many other countries have taken to border security, including the US and Australia, and helps prevent the arrival of those who present a threat to the UK.”  

“The light-touch screening each application provides increases our knowledge about those seeking to come to the UK and will make the border more secure for the millions of people who pass through each year,” they added. 

If an ETA application is rejected, the person cannot apply again and must file for a visitor visa instead, which can take months for approval. It is advised that travelers apply for the ETA no later than three days before arriving in the U.K. If the traveler has a criminal record, they should apply well in advance and know that denial is a real possibility.