And the media also asked Rutley about the UK's announcement earlier this year that countries which don't need VISAs to enter will soon be requiring Electronic Travel Authorizations. It's a document, available online, that will give permission for entry into the UK. And for Belizeans, it will come into effect in 2024. Rutley explained more.
David Rutley, UK FM For Americas & Caribbean
"It's something that we're going to be introducing, but it isn't going to affect Belizeans until at some point in 2024, and we'll make sure there's very clear communication about what's required there, and work closely with the foreign ministry to ensure that travellers, visitors from Belize are fully aware of the process, make it absolutely clear. But it doesn't affect anybody traveling this year. It's a 2024 issue and action that we will be taking forward with Belize."
Reporter
"What's the motive behind this decision?"
David Rutley, UK FM For Americas & Caribbean
"Its to help us with our border controls. Other countries have similar arrangements in place and this is a program that we are going to be rolling out over the months ahead."
Eamon Courtenay, Minister of Foreign Affairs
"That program exists at the moment between the United Kingdom and the United States of America. We know that the United Kingdom will be rolling it out in 2024. And it will apply to countries that, as I understand it, do not require a visa to go into the United Kingdom. So this is a travel authorization. It will authorize you to go to the United Kingdom. I should say that in our discussions with the European Union, they will also be rolling out their ETIAS. It's a very similar program that will initially apply to those countries that are Schengen free. So, much of the developed world is rolling out this type of program. We spoke to the minister about it and sought some clarification as to how it will affect Belizeans when it is introduced. We were very happy to hear that, in fact, it will not be introduced in 2023
for Belizeans, and therefore there is sufficient time for us to have an information and education program to allow Belizeans to understand how it will work."
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