Quantcast

UK requires electronic travel authorization for visitors

Qantas’ free international Wi-Fi to switch on from next week
The real reason Southwest is charging for bags now
Air France-KLM in ongoing talks with Air Europa on potential stake, CEO says
Frontier Savagely Shades Southwest After They Eliminated Longstanding Free Bag Policy, Sparking Backlash
Frontier Wants You to 'Divorce Your Old Airline' After Southwest Changes
Delta named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies for sustainability initiatives
Passengers escape fiery American Airlines jet in Denver
Delta, American Dive On Slashed Outlooks; But Two Airlines Rally
Competitors are circling Southwest after the airline announced it's going to start charging for checked bags
Exclusive: Dominican Low-Cost Carrier Arajet Wants to Disrupt NYC Market
Boeing deliveries rise 63% in February from a year earlier
Transportation Secretary Duffy Lays Out 10 Ways the FAA Is Working to Upgrade Air Traffic Control and Make Flying Safer
EasyJet pilot Paul Elsworth suspended after flying too close to mountain
Delta Air Lines bets on ‘blended-wing’ flight to reduce emissions
Europe's airlines pivot to bite size M&A deals to limit cost, regulatory burden
Dave Emerson named new CEO of Virgin Australia, replacing Jayne Hrdlicka
Ryanair DELAYS controversial new boarding pass rule to avoid summer chaos
FAA Orders Inspection, Replacement of 737NG Engine Parts
Spirit Adds New Airport, Three Routes
Delta crash passengers should take the $30,000 payment, their lawyers say. Here’s why.
Budget airline launches new cheap flights to one of the UK’s top winter sun destinations
Brazilian airline Azul to go 'back to basics' after challenging 2024
Airlines cancel flights as air travel to ‘grind to complete halt’ this week ahead of major strike action in Europe
Dramatic moment American Airlines plane diverted to Rome is escorted by fighter jets after mid-air bomb threat
Jetstar Faces Major Backlash as Nationwide System Outage Causes Travel Chaos, Stranding Passengers and Disrupting Flights Across the Australian Airline Industry
Sudden oil supply outages creating turbulence for airline industry
Southwest's layoffs dent its worker-first culture
Abu Dhabi's long-haul carrier Etihad Airways sees record $476 million profit in 2024
Jet2 warns of profits squeeze from rising costs and late bookings
Southwest bends further to activist shareholder Elliott's demands
UK requires electronic travel authorization for visitors
Research
Webp 25hevpjofta109cxvmej0ugozhgy
Capri Whiteley Social media manager | The Points Guy

As of February 21, 2025, travelers to the United Kingdom are now required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). This new requirement applies to Americans and other nationalities, with applications having opened in November for travel starting in the new year.

The application process is described as straightforward but includes a few key steps. According to the U.K. government website, the easiest way to apply is through the official government app available on iOS and Android devices. Applicants are advised to use only the gov.uk website or the official app to avoid unnecessary fees. The ETA costs 10 British pounds, approximately $13.

If access to the app is not possible, applications can be completed online. However, using the app involves verifying an email with a six-digit code before proceeding with photographing and scanning one's passport. "That was the trickiest part," said Lyndsey Matthews, who encountered challenges during her application process. She advised removing any phone cases when scanning passports.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Once successful in this step, applicants must scan their faces and take a passport-style photo against a plain white background without shadows. The application also requires answering questions about home address, occupation, and criminal history.

Payment options include Apple Pay or Google Pay through credit or debit cards. After payment completion, users receive an ETA reference number and should expect authorization within minutes; however, it may take up to three business days.

Lyndsey Matthews shared her experience upon arrival at Heathrow Airport: "Since ETAs are linked to the passport you apply with, I didn't have to print anything." The travel authorization remains valid for two years or until passport expiration.

The introduction of this system aims for efficiency despite initial concerns over potential delays at entry points. It serves as preparation for similar measures expected from the European Union later in 2025.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

With the commencement of the 2025 summer flight schedule, ITA Airways has seamlessly integrated into the Lufthansa Group terminals in Frankfurt and Munich.

Mar 30, 2025

Air China is set to resume its Toronto flights after a 33-year hiatus.

Mar 29, 2025

United Airlines has confirmed that a Boeing 767-300ER, which departed from London on March 26, returned to London Heathrow after experiencing mechanical problems.

Mar 29, 2025

American Airlines has introduced new routes to Punta Cana, the Dominican Republic, following its "March Map-Ness" contest.

Mar 29, 2025

A Delta Air Lines Airbus A321neo is back in operation after being grounded due to smoke detected in its cabin.

Mar 29, 2025

The Southern Museum of Flight in Birmingham, Alabama, presents an extensive collection of over 120 aircraft, showcasing a range of experimental, military, and general aviation aircraft.

Mar 29, 2025