An Electronic Travel Authorization or ETA is a digital system that allows governments to screen travelers before they depart from the country where the journey originates. Transferring the vetting “offshore” further elevates the security of the destination country and enhances the entry Immigration process.
An ETA helps governments classify the level of risk (security and health) a traveler poses to the destination country. Border Agents in the destination country, have the ability to approve or deny boarding at the port of origin. An ETA system gives Governments an advance comprehensive situational awareness at each manned border post.
Importantly, an ETA provides an additional layer of security for travelers from countries that do not require a visa for entry. Visa waivers have historically been introduced for travelers from countries that are deemed “low risk” or from nations that constitute a large proportion of overall tourist numbers. However, it has become more and more common for “high risk” individuals to take advantage of visa free entry into countries, posing a serious security risk. With an ETA, governments are able to pre-screen each individual and ensure no-one high-risk is permitted to travel, while also maintaining the status quo for visa free entry.
Unlike an eVisa, an electronic Travel Authorization is used to provide permission to travel to individuals from countries that do not usually require a visa for short-term stays. Applying for an ETA is often a simpler and quicker process than applying for an eVisa.
Key Benefits
- Enhanced Security: Governments can vet travelers pre-travel at port of origin, keeping their borders secure by identifying potential risks and threats in advance.
- Cost-Efficiency: Reduce administrative costs by improving resource management at each border site
- Reduce burden on embassies: Enable smooth experience for travelers of all nationalities without having to set up a physical embassy for visa processing.
- Streamlined Operations: Automated verification process results in quicker and more accurate document processing.
- Data Consistency and Accuracy: Enhances data integrity, leading to more reliable security assessments and improved decision-making.
- Improved Visitor Experience: Travelers enjoy a smoother journey to the destination country and a fast-track entry process, leaving a positive impression of the country.
What is an ETA system?
An ETA system involves travelers submitting their personal information and travel plans through an online application. The system then cross-references this data with national and international security watchlists and databases to determine whether the traveler poses any potential risks.
Once approved, travelers receive a Digital Travel Credential (DTC), linked to their passport, granting them permission to enter the destination country. The DTC can be read by the transport carrier’s staff at the country of origin and border agents at the destination country to create a fast-track process for low-risk travelers while permitting to focus resources on higher-risk individuals.
Unlike an eVisa, an electronic Travel Authorization is used to provide permission to travel to individuals from countries that do not usually require a visa for short-term stays. Applying for an eTA is often a simpler and quicker process than applying for an eVisa.
Travizory’s ETA system is a market-leading solution using Artificial Intelligence and facial biometrics to increase border security, improve the travel experience and support tourism growth. Our eTA can be implemented in just a few weeks, interconnected with existing security systems or introduced as one part of the end-to-end Travizory portfolio.
Why do Governments need an electronic Travel Authorization system?
Governments around the world are increasingly turning to electronic Travel Authorization or ETA systems to meet the growing demands of border security and efficient travel management. An ETA arms Governments with actionable intelligence pre-travel, before a passenger commences his or her journey at the country of origin. Such advance information allows border agents to prevent undesirable high-risk individuals from reaching the border and entering the country.
An electronic Travel Authorization can digitize the Visa-on-Arrival process and the declaration or landing cards. For Governments that want to invest in the travel experience, Travizory offers a single platform for risk-assessment, approval and monitoring of all visitors.
