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08/01/2025
Alliance Calls For 'Tailored Exemption' To New ETA Scheme
The Alliance Party has called on the UK Government to introduce a tailored exemption to the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme for tourism on the island of Ireland.
Alliance Lagan Valley MP Sorcha Eastwood made the call as the next phase of the scheme is launched for non-European travellers.
Ms Eastwood has said: "Seamless cross-border travel is vital to Northern Ireland's tourism industry, with 70% of international visitors entering via the Republic of Ireland.
"As recognised by previous UK Immigration Ministers, the ETA scheme introduces unnecessary bureaucracy that could discourage visitors from coming here. Tourism is already facing significant challenges, not least in the form of a planned hike in National Insurance contributions, and we cannot afford a policy that jeopardises £210 million in annual revenue. The choice to proceed with unmitigated implementation of this is incredibly disappointing.
"Under the last UK Government, Alliance made vital progress in securing an exemption for non-visa third-country permanent residents in the Republic of Ireland. This was a recognition of the unique circumstances of the island, and now the government has the opportunity to build on that by offering a short-term ETA exemption for visitors to Northern Ireland, such as a five-to-seven-day window.
"This would allow us to remain competitive without undermining UK border security. It's a practical and proportionate solution the government must urgently consider.
"All-island tourism is marketed internationally under the principles of the Good Friday Agreement, and as a co-guarantor of the Agreement, the UK Government has a duty to uphold its spirit by ensuring seamless cross-border travel.
"I will continue to push for a fair solution that protects our tourism sector and ensures Northern Ireland remains an attractive destination for international visitors."
Alliance Lagan Valley MP Sorcha Eastwood made the call as the next phase of the scheme is launched for non-European travellers.
Ms Eastwood has said: "Seamless cross-border travel is vital to Northern Ireland's tourism industry, with 70% of international visitors entering via the Republic of Ireland.
"As recognised by previous UK Immigration Ministers, the ETA scheme introduces unnecessary bureaucracy that could discourage visitors from coming here. Tourism is already facing significant challenges, not least in the form of a planned hike in National Insurance contributions, and we cannot afford a policy that jeopardises £210 million in annual revenue. The choice to proceed with unmitigated implementation of this is incredibly disappointing.
"This would allow us to remain competitive without undermining UK border security. It's a practical and proportionate solution the government must urgently consider.
"All-island tourism is marketed internationally under the principles of the Good Friday Agreement, and as a co-guarantor of the Agreement, the UK Government has a duty to uphold its spirit by ensuring seamless cross-border travel.
"I will continue to push for a fair solution that protects our tourism sector and ensures Northern Ireland remains an attractive destination for international visitors."
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
