Reduction in fee for transiting passengers in UK, potential increase in charges by 60% for all others.

Unfiltered Insights on the UK's Electronic Travel Authorisation Updates

Get ready, travelers! The United Kingdom government has made some significant changes to its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) program, just a few weeks after rolling it out to U.S. passengers on January 8th. Here's what you need to know:

After the launch, the U.K.'s ETA scheme, similar to the U.S.'s Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) program, mandated that non-visa travelers apply for authorization and pay a fee of 10 British pounds (~12 USD) to enter the country. This application process included submitting personal information online.

Unlike similar schemes in other nations, this fee also applied to passengers merely transiting in the U.K. without intending to pass through passport control. This decision received backlash from the U.K.'s aviation and airport industry and prompted quick action from the government.

Following the controversy, the British government has reversed the ruling: Transit passengers will now be exempt from ETA requirements. However, the government has also proposed an increased ETA fee for other non-visa travelers, potentially rising to 16 pounds (~20 USD).

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Essential ETA Facts

The U.K. launched its ETA scheme in 2024 for visitors from the Gulf Cooperation Council states. It expanded the program to include travelers from the U.S., Canada, Australia, and others on January 8th. It'll roll out to the rest of the EU in April.

The ETA program requires most non-visa travelers to apply for permission before entering the country, involving online submission of personal information and paying the fee. After a successful application, the ETA is valid for two years but is tied to your passport; therefore, renewing your passport would require reapplying for a new ETA.

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The ETA application process can take up to three business days to obtain clearance, and you can apply on the U.K. government website or via the U.K. government app available on iOS and Android.

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ETA's Changes for Transit Travelers

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The U.K. government's initial plan required all passengers, even those connecting at U.K. airports, to apply for an ETA. This ruling largely affected passengers traveling through London's Heathrow Airport and Manchester Airport.

This decision received backlash from airlines like British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, as well as airport operators. They argued the rule was uncompetitive compared to other global hubs in Europe.

In response to industry pressure, the government has now announced a reversal: Airside transit passengers will no longer need an ETA. This move aligns the U.K. with the practices of other major international hubs.

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However, it is worth noting that the U.K. government has said that this ruling is temporary and will be "kept under review." Given the initial uproar, a reversal seems unlikely anytime soon.

ETA's Fee Increase for Others

While the exemption for transit travelers is good news, the cost of an ETA for everyone else could now increase by 60%. The latest proposal would raise the fee from 10 to 16 pounds (~20 USD). For a family of four (including infants), the cost to travel to the U.K. would rise from 40 pounds (~49 USD) to 64 pounds (~78 USD).

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The U.K. Parliament still needs to debate this legislation before it can be fully approved, and there is no clear date for when a price increase could take effect.

According to the Home Office, the ETA price increase and a slew of other immigration system changes could generate an additional 269 million pounds (~328 million USD) per year.

Who Still Needs an ETA?

The ETA is required for most travelers entering the U.K., except for those who:

Hold a British or Irish passport
Have permission to live, work, or study in the U.K.
Possess a valid U.K. visa
Are traveling with a British Overseas Territories citizen passport

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Irish residents are exempt when entering from Ireland, the Isle of Man, or the Channel Islands; they'll need an ETA if traveling to the U.K. from other countries, though.

wrapping up

The exemption eliminates the need for additional paperwork and costs for those connecting through Heathrow or Manchester airports without entering the U.K. This policy shift is good news for the U.K. aviation industry and airlines looking to maintain competitiveness. However, a proposed higher ETA cost could add to tourists' overall expenses.

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While the government hasn't confirmed when a potential fee increase could take effect, it seems only a matter of time before it does. Travelers should check for updates before booking trips and ensure their ETA applications are up to date.

Reduction in fee for transiting passengers in UK, potential increase in charges by 60% for all others.