Electronic Travel Authorisation Scheme Tourism 2023-06-21
2023-06-21
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Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question arises from discussions on the implementation of an ETA requirement for tourists entering Northern Ireland.
What recent discussions has his Department had with representatives of the tourism sector in Northern Ireland on the implementation of the electronic travel authorisation scheme?
The Department recently met with Northern Ireland tourism organisations alongside the Home Office for discussions on how to communicate the ETA requirement. The Secretary of State also hosted a tourism roundtable at Hillsborough castle, and the Government will continue engaging with the sector.
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Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
Concern about granting an ETA exemption to tourists or people claiming to be tourists traveling from the Republic of Ireland.
Does my hon. Friend acknowledge that if an ETA exemption was granted for tourists—indeed, people claiming to be tourists—traveling from the Republic of Ireland, that would undermine the integrity of the whole scheme?
The Government's policy is correct in not creating a loophole through the ETA scheme. We have engaged closely with the Irish Government to ensure clear communication of registration requirements. An exemption exists for third-country nationals ordinarily resident in Ireland, and UK or Irish citizens are exempt under the common travel area.
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Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
Concern about treating movements from the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland the same as any entries into the UK.
Does the Minister recognise that Ireland is marketed internationally as a single entity with respect to tourism? Does he understand that treating movements on the island of Ireland the same as any entries into the UK from the rest of the world is not fair and does not recognise the specific circumstances that exist on the island?
The Government recognises elements of what was said, including conversations with Irish Government at the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference. The position is to not create a loophole through the ETA scheme but ensure clear communication. Exemptions exist for third-country nationals ordinarily resident in Ireland and UK or Irish citizens under the common travel area.
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