New UK Travel Permits for Visitors Threaten Northern Ireland's Tourism
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The new, mandatory entry permit to the UK costs only £10, but Northern Irish businesses and politicians are seeking a full exemption for the region, saying it risks "diminishing our global tourism appeal".
Northern Ireland faces a potential tourism crisis as the UK's new requirement that travelers register and pay a fee before they start their journeys threatens to deter international visitors, particularly those crossing from the Republic of Ireland.
The entry permit—which costs £10, or about $12—became mandatory for non-European travelers on January 8. Called Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), the permits could significantly impact Northern Ireland's tourism sector.
European travelers will need to comply starting in April. However, Irish citizens are not required to obtain an ETA, meaning their visits will not be affected. Othe
