UK lists African countries whose citizens can travel with eTA instead of visa

The United Kingdom has listed two African countries whose citizens can travel to the UK using an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), rather than applying for a visa, subject to meeting the relevant entry requirements.

The countries are Mauritius and Seychelles.

The two countries appear on the UK government’s Appendix ETA National List, which sets out nationalities required to obtain an ETA before travelling to the UK.

1. Mauritius

Mauritian citizens are also included on the UK’s ETA National List.

They can use the ETA route for eligible UK visits instead of applying for a visitor visa, provided they meet the requirements for an ETA and their intended visit is permitted under the scheme.

2. Seychelles

Seychellois citizens are the third African nationality included on the UK ETA National List.

Like Botswana and Mauritius, eligible travellers from Seychelles must obtain an ETA before travelling to the UK.

What is a UK ETA?

An Electronic Travel Authorisation is a digital permission that allows eligible travellers to travel to the UK without obtaining a visa for certain short visits.

The ETA requirement does not mean the traveller has an automatic right to enter the UK. Travellers must still meet the UK’s border and immigration requirements when they arrive.