In April, travellers entering the UK may face a new cost of £16 as the government plans to adjust the rules for electronic travel authorisation (ETA). The Home Office has proposed an increase from the current £10 fee for an ETA, with a legislative proposal put forward in Parliament and awaiting approval. The changes, including cost increases for various immigration and nationality services, are expected to bring in an additional £269 million annually.
It remains unclear when the price adjustments will come into effect as the Home Office continues to review the situation. Additionally, the requirement for airside transit passengers to be exempt from the ETA scheme is going to be lifted, excluding Heathrow and Manchester airports, the only locations in the UK offering this exemption. Heathrow Airport welcomed this decision, stating that it enhances the UK’s competitiveness and supports economic growth within the aviation industry.
The introduction of the ETA system in November 2023 required non-Europeans without residency rights or visas to obtain a digital permission to enter the UK. Starting from April 2, this requirement will extend to European travellers. The application process for an ETA involves using the UK ETA app or the gov.uk website, with each permit valid for multiple trips lasting up to six months over two years or until the passport expires.
The Home Office emphasises that ETAs enhance security measures by conducting thorough checks before travellers embark on their journey to the UK, aiming to prevent any misuse of the immigration system. The implementation of these electronic permissions marks a significant step towards regulating entry into the UK and ensuring the safety and security of travellers.
Heathrow Airport had previously raised concerns about the impact of the fee on transit passengers, describing it as detrimental to the airport’s competitiveness. The recent decision to exempt airside transit passengers from the ETA scheme has been met with approval from industry leaders, indicating a collaborative effort to address industry concerns and support the UK’s connectivity and economic development.
As the Home Office moves towards finalising these changes, stakeholders in the travel industry and passengers alike will need to stay informed about the evolving requirements and regulations surrounding entry into the UK. With the ETA system playing a crucial role in streamlining immigration processes and safeguarding national security, the upcoming adjustments highlight the government’s commitment to bolstering border control measures and enhancing the overall travel experience.