Conor Murphy Sounds Alarm on the Implications of Digital Travel Permits

The economy minister of Northern Ireland has cautioned that the roll-out of a digital travel permit will have a “catastrophic” effect on tourism.

Conor Murphy is advocating for an exemption for Northern Ireland from the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme.

Starting Wednesday, individuals from an additional 48 nations will be required to obtain an ETA, which costs £10 for each individual, prior to entering the UK.

The Home Office in London asserts that ETAs will enable a more efficient and secure immigration framework.

Nevertheless, enterprises in Northern Ireland claim that 70% of international tourists come through the land border with the Republic of Ireland, which may deter them from making the trip.

Murphy indicated that London ought to pursue a “practical and adaptable strategy” and establish an exemption for travelers entering Northern Ireland while not proceeding to Great Britain.

“At a minimum, a temporary exemption for visitors staying for up to seven days would accommodate most of our international guests,” he stated.

The minister noted that visitors from abroad contributed £210m to the economy of Northern Ireland in 2023.

He highlighted that the island of Ireland is promoted globally “as a single entity” and that tourism represents “a success narrative of the peace initiative” which must be safeguarded.

Eventually, ETAs will be necessary for individuals from all nations not required to hold a complete UK visa, excluding the Republic of Ireland.

This digital permit is associated with passports, and tourists can register for it via the internet.

An ETA remains valid for two years, permitting multiple entries of up to six months within the UK.

Travelers hailing from Gulf States are already mandated to obtain an ETA.

Individuals from other non-EU nations, such as the US and Australia, must secure ETAs starting today.

The scheme is expected to extend to EU countries from April 2nd.

The Brexit agreement between the UK and EU emphasized evading the necessity for checkpoints on the Irish border.

Travel operator Caroline McComb expressed that the “smooth and effortless” cross-border experience was crucial for the tourism sector in Northern Ireland.

The head of McComb’s Coach Travel mentioned that ETAs would pose an “impediment” for tourists – especially those intending to visit Northern Ireland for a brief period.

She stated: “If you have a group of 50 individuals hiring a bus, suddenly an additional £500 is incurred on your group’s expenses.

“And that might lead people to ponder whether traveling from Dublin to Donegal is indeed worthwhile if it means taking the route via the Causeway Coast and stopping at the Giant’s Causeway?”

A spokesperson from the UK government asserted that ETAs will provide a “more efficient, digital immigration system which will be faster and safer for the millions of individuals who pass through the UK border each year”.

The government also stated it was dedicated to collaborating with the industry and others “to ensure the ETA requirement is effectively communicated and to alleviate the perception of it as a hindrance to cross-border tourism in Northern Ireland”.

Travelers are advised to submit an ETA application at least three working days prior to arrival.

However, sources have suggested that numerous applications are resolved within moments, which would maintain the opportunity for spontaneous cross-border excursions.

Ministers and officials within the devolved government in Belfast are anticipated to persist in advocating to London for an exemption ahead of the final implementation phase of the ETA scheme occurring in just under three months.