New UK Visa Requirements for Dominica and Vanuatu Citizens in 2023

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The UK Government will now require a travel visa from citizens of Dominica and Vanuatu. On July 19, the House of Commons published a Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules. From this date, citizens of five countries, including Dominica and Vanuatu, will need to apply for a visa to travel to the UK. 

There is a transition period for Dominica and Vanuatu nationals. If you booked and paid for a journey to the UK before 3 PM (UK Time) on 19 July 2023 and you’re arriving in the UK before 3 PM (UK Time) on 16 August 2023, you can still travel to the UK without a visa.  

Paving the Way to ETA?

The United Kingdom is transitioning towards Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). We predict Dominica and Vanuatu will be included in the ETA in the future. ETA facilitates people travelling to the UK. You can enter and stay with an electronic document. It is quick and easy to fill in your name, passport details, and purpose of travel on an online form.

All 79 countries that previously had visa-free access to the UK will be transitioned into an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) starting from November 2023. It is expected that by the end of 2024, all previous visa-free countries will be part of the ETA. This also includes countries such as the US, Canada, and EU members.

The UK is following the investment migration path taken by other countries like Canada. Canada suspended visa-free travel for Antigua and Barbuda in June 2017. Canada then revoked this for other Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) members. Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia citizens lost their privileges.

In June 2023, Canada extended visa-free travel to Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia with a valid visa to Canada within the last 10 years. Later in the month, they guaranteed expedited visa processing to Dominica and Grenada through the Can+ Visa Programme. 

This is a developing story and we will keep you up to date. 

For more information, don’t delay and contact us today!