Now, you can’t just show up at London Heathrow (or another port of entry) and enter the United Kingdom. Instead, you have to apply for access ahead of time using the new UK Electronic Travel Authorization system, which, you guessed it, also assesses a fee to visitors.
To be fair to the UK, they are not the first to implement a program like this. In fact, the United State already has something similar in place called the United States Electronic System for Travel Authorization, which levies a $21 application processing fee. Mind you, this system is required for travelers with passports from Visa Waiver Program countries. Those with passports not from these countries still need to go through the more complicated and costly Visa application process.
However, for people visiting the UK, the UK Electronic Travel Authorization system will be new, and also comes with a nasty surprise that I’m sure British Airways and Virgin Atlantic can’t be happy about.
UK Electronic Travel Authorization
The UK Electronic Travel Authorization system applies to both tourists and those traveling on business and applies to visits of up to six months. Anything longer requires a separate, more complex authorization. Moreover, the authorization is required for anyone and everyone, which means if your entire family is visiting the UK, each and every person will need to obtain their own authorization, including infants.
Luckily, the fee associated with the UK Electronic Travel Authorization system isn’t as high as the USESTA’s, coming in at 1 GBP, which is roughly $12 given the recent average exchange rate.
Now, here’s the kicker. While it’s a given that you must get an authorization for visits in which you physically enter the country, you must also get them if you’re simply transiting. That’s right. You have to obtain a UK Electronic Travel Authorization if you’re simply laying over in the country and never leave the airport! That seems rather ridiculous, if you ask me, and one that could potentially harm the country’s airlines.
Yeah, $12 might not be all that much in the grand scheme of things, especially when you’re comparing flights that usually costs hundreds of dollars. But it’s also one more thing you have to be aware of and take care of. That’s not so great in the age of convenience. Couple that with the recent changes to British Airways Executive Club, and I can see less interest in that airline from EU and US passport holders.
Sure, all things being equal, you’ll still likely choose the most convenient option moving forward. But, given the above, if BA is pricing higher than its Oneworld partners, such as Finnair, Qatar, and sister airline Iberia, well, you may see people use those other options instead to get to destinations throughout the region.
Final Thoughts
The UK Electronic Travel Authorization program went into effect on January 8 for everyone aside from EU passport holders, whom will see the requirement become effective on April 2, 2025. They say it typically takes three days to receive your authorization, though it may take more or less time. As such, you should apply as soon as possible. Moreover, you’ll either need to use the UKETA App or their online portal to apply. Regardless of how you apply, you’ll need to provide a photo of your passport and (for travelers over nine) a photo of your face. Payments are accepted via credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Wallet.
At any rate, remember to do your application before you depart on your trip to the UK! Again, you probably should be doing it at least a month ahead of departure, though three days before usually seems safe.
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