NEW ETA Exemption for UK Airport Transits Announced in Government U-Turn

ETAs (Not) Required for UK Airport Transits as Pressure Prompts Government U-Turn

Those transiting airside without passing through British border control at a UK airport no longer need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to travel. A temporary exemption has been made following airport pressure. A Home Office statement read:

“Following feedback from the aviation industry, the government has agreed a temporary exemption for passengers who transit airside, and therefore do not pass through UK border control.”

The change comes following feedback from the aviation industry and primarily affects UK airports with high-volume connecting flights, namely Heathrow and Manchester.

UK airports have welcomed the news, which is expected to reduce border processing times but, more importantly, ensure UK airports remain competitive for connecting flights in Europe amid suggestions Heathrow alone could lose up to 4 million passengers to rival European airports. 

Heathrow’s chief executive, Thomas Woldbye, said:

“The removal of airside transit passengers from the ETA scheme is the right decision, and we welcome it.”

The British government insisted the exemption be kept under review, but many believe the change will be permanent. It also comes with news the new system is expected to increase in cost. 

UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Scheme Set for Price Hike Weeks After Taking Effect

The Home Office has announced a surprising 60% price hike to the ETA scheme for all non-Brits travelling to the UK. The fee increased from £10 to £16. The dates have yet to be confirmed. 

It comes weeks after the scheme was rolled out, affecting all visa-exempt nations outside of Europe. European countries will join the scheme.