UK Govt Urged To Reconsider ETA Scheme

Sinn Féin MLA Emma Sheerin has called on the British government to reconsider its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme, warning of potential damage to Northern Ireland's tourism sector. 

The ETA scheme, implemented by the UK government, requires EU nationals travelling to the UK to purchase an ETA from 2nd April 2025. The cost of the ETA is set to rise to £16. Non-EU nationals have been required to obtain an ETA since 8th January 2025.

Last week, Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald wrote to the British government, urging them to introduce exemptions to the scheme. Emma Sheerin, who is Sinn Féin's tourism spokesperson in Northern Ireland, echoed these concerns. "The all-island economy is flourishing, and tourism plays a key role in this," she said. "Worryingly, the ETA scheme threatens to damage our economy and our thriving tourism and hospitality businesses."

Sheerin highlighted the significant number of tourists who arrive in the north via Dublin, estimating that the scheme could jeopardise over £200 million in revenue generated by these visitors for the local economy.

"This scheme is hugely flawed and jeopardises years of progress our island has made through its tourism offering," the MLA stated. "We need immediate action before irreparable damage is done, and Sinn Féin will continue to press the British government for a resolution to this matter."