UK ETA scheme a potential threat to NI tourism

The British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly (BIPA) - a talking-shop comprised of members elected to national legislative bodies - has released a report that urges the British government to pause implementation of its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme that's scheduled to begin coming online next month, at least for visitors staying for less than a week.

Foreigners visiting the UK for up to 6 months for tourism will be able to do so on an ETA in lieu of a visa.

Persons holding a British or Irish passport do not need an ETA.

Applying for an ETA costs 10 GBP.

BIPA argues that the ETA will become a barrier to entry for overseas tourists wanting to visit Northern Ireland, 70% of whom enter the Island of Ireland initially in the Republic.

The UK government has taken the position that visitors to NI don't need an exception to the ETA requirement because the "Common Travel Area" allows for free movement between NI and the Republic.

But BIPA, Tourism Ireland and NI tourism officials are concerned that the 10 GBP ETA fee will discourage foreign tourists from crossing into NI from the Republic.

There is particular concern about coach tours of Americans which operate Ireland-wide, as well as for the many foreign tourists who take day trips from the Republic to NI.

Will the UK government cave and exempt coach tours and/or day-trippers? Stay tuned.