Increased Financial Requirements

One of the most notable changes is the increase in financial thresholds for visa applicants. Students and skilled workers will need to demonstrate higher financial reserves to qualify for visas.

For Students:

• Students applying for a UK study visa will need to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover living expenses. The new requirements are:
  • £1,483 per month for courses in London.
  • £1,136 per month for courses outside London.
• For a one-year master’s programme, this translates to £13,347 for London and £10,224 for other regions, covering nine months of expenses.
• These funds must be held in the applicant’s account for at least 28 consecutive days before submitting the visa application.

For Skilled Workers:

• First-time skilled worker visa applicants must demonstrate an income of at least £38,700 to cover living costs and accommodation.
• Applicants must also have sponsorship from a UK employer approved by the Home Office. If sponsorship is not available, the required funds must be held for at least 28 days before applying.

Increased Visa Fees

Visa application fees will see minor increases across various categories, including tourist, family, spouse, child, and student visas. However, exemptions will remain for applicants with disabilities, carers, and those working in specific sectors such as healthcare, the armed forces, and certain talent-based roles.

New Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

Starting January 8, 2025, visitors from countries that currently do not require a visa for short stays in the UK will need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). This includes travellers from the United States, Canada, Australia, and other non-European nations. The ETA will cost £10 and will be valid for multiple entries over a two-year period or until the traveller’s passport expires.

From April 2, 2025, EU nationals will also be required to obtain an ETA before entering the UK. This move aims to streamline the entry process and enhance security by confirming traveller eligibility before they leave their country of origin.

Impact on Travellers and Workers

These changes are expected to have a significant impact on international students, skilled workers, and travellers. The increased financial requirements may pose challenges for some applicants, particularly those from countries with lower income levels. However, the UK government believes these measures are necessary to manage the effects of immigration on the housing market and the economy.

For travellers, the introduction of the ETA system will add an extra step to the travel process, but it is designed to make border crossings more efficient and secure. The ETA will allow for smoother entry into the UK by reducing time and confusion at border crossings.

The Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) has filed a “no-build” application with Fingal County Council, which means it does not involve any new infrastructure. This approach aims to expedite the approval process and provide a short-term solution to the capacity issue that affects Ireland’s connectivity, tourism, and economy.

DAA CEO Kenny Jacobs emphasised the urgency of resolving this issue, stating that the airport already has the capacity to manage 36 million passengers annually. He called for a pragmatic and constructive approach to address this critical national matter.

The current cap has been a point of contention, with airlines like Aer Lingus and Ryanair challenging the restrictions. The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) had sought to limit the number of take-off and landing slots next summer to ensure compliance with the cap, but this decision has been stayed by the High Court pending further legal proceedings.

In addition to the “no-build” application, the DAA has a larger infrastructure planning application pending, which seeks to raise the passenger cap to 40 million and includes €2.4 billion worth of upgrades. This application, submitted last year, is still under review by Fingal County Council.

The proposed increase to 36 million passengers is seen as a temporary measure while awaiting the outcome of the larger infrastructure application. Jacobs noted that the airport’s ability to handle more passengers without additional infrastructure demonstrates the feasibility of the increase.

However, the proposal has faced opposition from local residents and environmentalists concerned about the impact on carbon emissions and noise pollution. Despite these concerns, the DAA argues that increasing the passenger cap is essential for maintaining the efficiency and competitiveness of Ireland’s main transport hub.

The DAA’s efforts to raise the passenger cap reflect broader challenges in balancing growth and sustainability. As Dublin Airport continues to recover from the pandemic and passenger numbers rise, finding a solution to the capacity issue remains a top priority for all stakeholders involved.

The airport’s current cap of 32 million passengers was established as part of the planning conditions for the construction of Terminal 2 in 2007. Since then, Dublin Airport has grown significantly, becoming a crucial gateway for international travel and a vital component of Ireland’s economy.

Political parties, including Fianna Fáil, have pledged to address the issue of the cap and seek its removal. The DAA’s “no-build” application is seen as a sensible short-term solution while the larger infrastructure application is under consideration.

The Irish Aviation Authority’s attempt to limit slots has been met with resistance from airlines, leading to legal challenges. The High Court has referred several points of European law to the Court of Justice in Luxembourg, and a stay has been placed on the IAA’s decision to limit slots for next summer.

Kenny Jacobs has called on all parties to work together to resolve this issue for Ireland. He welcomed efforts to promote more coordinated thinking in both the planning system and strategic infrastructure development, emphasising the importance of Dublin Airport for the nation’s connectivity and economic health.

As the busiest day of Christmas arrivals approaches, Dublin Airport is bustling with activity, highlighting the pressing need to address the passenger cap. The airport’s ability to handle increased passenger numbers without additional infrastructure underscores the practicality of the proposed cap increase.

eGates are automated machines that check your passport and other travel documents. They use advanced technology to verify your identity and ensure that your documents are valid. This means you don’t have to wait in long lines to see an immigration officer.

The new eGates can be used by passport holders from the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and the United Kingdom (UK). You must be over 18 years old to use them. Last year, over four million passengers used the eGates at Dublin Airport.

The Irish government wants to modernize its immigration processes. Justice Minister Helen McEntee announced a new contract to upgrade the existing eGates. The goal is to provide a more secure and efficient service for travellers. The new eGates will help process passengers quickly while still conducting thorough security checks.

There are currently 10 eGates in each of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at Dublin Airport. There are also five eGates in the passenger Transfers Facility. These locations will all get the upgraded eGates.

The first eGates were installed at Dublin Airport in December 2017. They have been a key part of the airport’s immigration control system ever since. The eGates help manage the flow of passengers and ensure that security checks are done efficiently.

For travelers, this means a faster and smoother experience when arriving at Dublin Airport. You can expect shorter wait times and a more streamlined process. The upgraded eGates will make it easier for eligible passengers to clear immigration and get on with their journey.

Justice Minister McEntee emphasized that using technology like eGates is crucial for providing a modern and effective immigration service. The new contract ensures that Dublin Airport can continue to offer a high level of security and efficiency for all travellers.