International travellers will be able to use their JCB cards to pay for the UK’s newly implemented electronic travel authorisation (ETA) fees from January 2025.
The move by JCB International facilitates a simpler payment option for the required ETA, enhancing travel convenience for its global cardholders.
The UK government has introduced the ETA to streamline entry procedures as well as improve security, with all non-European visitors required to obtain an ETA before traveling to the UK. The application process is available through the UK ETA app or the official website, with the ETA costing £10 and valid for multiple entries over two years.
By accepting JCB, the UK government ensures cardmembers can use their preferred payment method on the official UK ETA website. A recent report from Visit Britain reveals that Japan was among the countries and territories which saw the strongest growth of UK-bound travel from 2023.
“JCB is delighted to provide our cardmembers with a smooth and efficient way to apply for their UK ETA,” said Ray Shinzawa, managing director, JCB International (Europe) Ltd. “This partnership reflects our commitment to enhancing the travel experience for our cardmembers and supporting initiatives that promote secure and convenient cross-border travel.”
JCB is a major global payment brand and credit card issuer and acquirer in Japan. It launched its card business in Japan in 1961 and began expanding worldwide in 1981. Its acceptance network includes about 49 million merchants around the world. JCB now primarily issues its cards in Asian countries and territories, serving over 158 million cardmembers.