The High Commission of the Republic of Maldives in the United Kingdom has issued a travel advisory urging Maldivians to review British entry and transit requirements, highlighting the digital Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme governing short-term visits.
In an official public notice, the diplomatic mission advised all citizens planning to travel to or transit through the UK to confirm their documentation status beforehand to prevent delays or border disruptions.
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According to the official guidelines published on gov.uk, an ETA costs 20 pounds per applicant and permits eligible non-visa nationals to visit the UK, Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man for up to six months. The permit covers travel for tourism, family visits, business trips, short-term study, and medical treatment.
The guidelines additionally detail that every individual traveller requires a separate authorisation regardless of age, including babies and children, although individuals may submit applications on behalf of family members or accompanying group members. Authorisation is mandatory for passengers passing through UK border control on “landside” transits before continuing an onward journey.
Exemptions apply to holders of British or Irish passports, as well as individuals who already possess valid permission to live, work, or study in the UK. The UK government warns travellers to avoid third-party websites charging inflated fees and recommends using only the official government portal.
The High Commission emphasised that an approved ETA grants permission to travel to a UK port of entry but does not automatically guarantee admission, as final clearance remains subject to border control inspection. Citizens can verify whether their specific trip requires an ETA or a standard visa directly through official UK government guidance.
