UK Announces Temporary ETA Exemption for Air Transit Passengers

Air transit passengers through UK airports like Heathrow and Manchester can skip ETA requirements temporarily, as the UK government reassesses the policy.

In a welcome move for travellers, the UK government has announced that air transit passengers who do not pass through UK border control will not need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).

This temporary exemption is expected to benefit passengers primarily at London Heathrow and Manchester airports, the two UK airports equipped with airside transit facilities.

What Is the ETA?
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a border security measure inspired by similar systems in the United States ESTA, South Korea K-ETA, and Israel ETA-IL. It is a mandatory document for visa-exempt travellers to obtain prior authorization before entering the UK. Initially, the requirement also applied to airside transit passengers from the 54 countries included in the program.

Relief for Transit Travellers
The UK Home Office stated that the exemption follows feedback from the aviation industry. “The government has agreed to a temporary exemption for passengers who transit airside and do not pass through UK border control,” the statement explained. This decision will be reassessed regularly to ensure it aligns with security and economic priorities.

Heathrow’s chief executive, Thomas Woldbye, welcomed the decision, demonstrating the government’s willingness to address industry concerns and strengthen the UK’s competitiveness.

Potential ETA Fee Increase
While the exemption offers financial relief for some travellers, the cost of obtaining an ETA may soon rise. The UK government has proposed increasing the fee from the current £10 (€13/$14) to £16 (€19/$20).

The adjustment is part of broader changes to immigration and nationality service fees, aiming to reduce the system’s dependence on public funding. If approved, these changes could generate an additional £269 million annually.

Who Needs an ETA?
The ETA is mandatory for nationals of visa-exempt countries travelling to the UK. From April 2, 2025, citizens of 34 European countries, including France, Germany, and Spain, will require an ETA.

European Nations Requiring ETA from 2025:
Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Vatican City.

Applying for an ETA
The ETA application process is straightforward. Travellers can apply online or through the “UK ETA” mobile app. Approved ETAs are typically valid for two years and allow multiple entries within that period.

Countries Already Requiring ETA
Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Hong Kong, Kuwait, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Nauru, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Oman, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Qatar, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Taiwan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United States, Uruguay.

Final Thoughts
The temporary exemption for air transit passengers highlights the UK’s efforts to balance security and economic growth. However, the potential fee hike could impact travellers’ budgets. As the UK refines its border policies, staying informed about ETA requirements and updates will be crucial for international travellers.

Source: https://travelobiz.com/uk-announces-temporary-eta-exemption-for-air-transit-passengers/