As of Jan. 8, an electronic travel authorization will be required for visitors from dozens of visa-exempt countries, including the United States and Canada.

The Electronic Travel Authorisation, or ETA, kicks in on January 8 for travelers from 48 countries around the world, when entering the UK. The ETA – which must be applied for before travel — will last two years and cost $12.

Visitors to the UK from dozens of countries, including the United States, Canada and Australia, must now pay to enter Britain after a new visa-waiver entry system took effect on

As part of an effort to fully digitize borders by 2025, tourists will soon be required to obtain a new electronic travel authorization to enter the United Kingdom.