New restrictions for flying to/through the UK in 2025! UK ETA. WTF?

Don’t' get caught off guard by new international regulations and requirements when traveling overseas.

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Starting on January 8, 2025, the United Kingdom will implement the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) requirement for travelers from countries that do not currently require a visa to enter the UK, or even when catching a connection in a UK airport. This includes citizens from the United States, Canada, and many other nations.

The UK ETA is a digital travel authorization that travelers must obtain prior to entering the UK. It is designed to enhance border security and streamline the immigration process. Importantly, the ETA will also be required for travelers with connecting flights in the UK, even if they do not pass through UK border control.

The rationale behind requiring an ETA for transit passengers is to improve national security and ensure that all individuals traveling through UK airports are pre-screened. This measure helps prevent individuals from using connecting flights to bypass visa requirements and allows UK authorities to maintain a comprehensive understanding of all travelers in their airports.

The persons requiring an ETA to visit or transit Great Britain include:
• U.S. Citizens: Required starting January 8, 2025.
• Canadian Citizens: Required starting January 8, 2025.
• Other Non-European Travelers: Required starting January 8, 2025.
• European Citizens: Required starting April 2, 2025.
• Exemptions: British and Irish citizens do not need an ETA.

Travelers can apply for an ETA through the official UK government website or via the UK ETA app, which will be available on both iOS and Android platforms. The application process opens on November 27, 2024, for U.S. and Canadian travelers. The steps are:

• Complete the Online Application: When applying for an ETA, you will need:
• A valid passport (the same one you will travel with).
• A recent digital photo of yourself.
• An email address for confirmation.
• Payment method (credit/debit card or mobile payment options).

• Pay the Fee: The application fee is £10 (approximately $13), which is non-refundable.

Most applications will be processed within three working days, but it may take longer if additional checks are needed.

Once approved, your ETA will be electronically linked to your passport and valid for up to two years, allowing multiple entries into the UK during that time. Each stay can last up to six months.

So if you're planning to visit the UK in 2025, or if you have connecting flights in the UK, make sure to apply for your Electronic Travel Authorization ahead of time.

Or just download the UK ETA App on your phone, which is much easier since you can capture a photo of your passport and your face using the phone.

Happy Travels!

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Hashtags: #Travel2025 #ETIAS #EES #UKETA #REALID #PassportCard #AirTravel #TravelTips #slowtravel #expat

[daysaway]

We had to reupload this video due to a mistake in the edit. Had a great comment on the previous version from Slow Travel Colin who stated "Announced last Thursday that the UK government has agreed a temporary exemption for passengers who transit airside, and therefore do not pass through UK border control. Hopefully common sense will prevail and it becomes permanent!"

Glad that this is in place for now.

[chrispnw]

Thanks for the valuable post. If I am understanding this correctly, This could be problematic under several scenarios.

1) From the United States to Europe, if my direct flight to Amsterdam, Germany, or France cannot fly due to a mechanical fault, overbooking, weather, etc., the airlines may offer another flight with a stopover at Heathrow BUT, I would have to have an UK authorization in-place in order to accept a non-direct flight via the UK. Is this a correct interpretation?