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UK: Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) goes into effect Jan 8, 2025

https://wapo.st/3ZnzRjA

Hopefully I gifted this article correctly.

Looks like the cost is about $12.50 USD, good for two years, and takes about 72 hours to process , which could impede last-minute travel. It's required even if one is connecting through Heathrow to another destination.

The US has a similar requirement for foreigners who don't require a visa.

Just add one more item to the travel checklist.

Posted by
5301 posts

Hi Pat,
I was not able to read the article but thanks for this information.

According to the official website, www.gov.uk, U.S. citizens may apply for the ETA starting November 27, 2024.

Posted by
10426 posts

Here is the official UK government page on ETA.

https://search.app?link=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gov.uk%2Fguidance%2Fapply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta%23full-publication-update-history&utm_campaign=aga&utm_source=agsadl2%2Csh%2Fx%2Fgs%2Fm2%2F4

Yes, US and Canadian (and Australian and New Zealand) citizens can start applying for ETA as of tomorrow (November 27). They will be required for entry for US and Canadian (and Aussie and New Zealand) citizens as of January 8th.

The government page says the easiest way to apply is to use the UK ETA app, available in the Apple App Store or in Google Play.

My guess is that it will take far less than 72 hours to get a decision back. My husband's ESTA for the US usually comes back within 8 or 9 hours, if not faster.

Posted by
643 posts

And worth adding that some categories of travelers are exempt, including those with visas and settled status (obviously) and also those with Right of Abode, which is actually quite a broad category.

Posted by
8989 posts

Thanks for this very useful info. I've downloaded the app and plan to apply tomorrow. I think the easiest way for me to manage this is just to get one from the start and renew every two years.

Posted by
176 posts

Pat, thank you for the reminder. Although I knew this was coming, I guess I had not paid attention to the details. I need to remember that the ETA is also needed to transit airside. Another thing that is worth noting is that the ETA is tied to your passport. So if you need to renew your passport, you need to reapply for the ETA - even if it has been less than two years since you got the ETA.

Posted by
808 posts

What happens if your flight to another destination gets diverted to the UK because of weather, mechanical issues, etc.? You wouldn't have gotten the ETA because you weren't planning to transit in the UK. Google searches haven't been helpful in answering this question, admittedly a rare what-if situation.

Posted by
12 posts

So i am trying to figure out for my trip in February. I need to apply for ETA, But i am leaving the UK to go to Italy and then back to the UK after that week in Italy. Do I need to apply twice or just that once for the trip.

Posted by
1176 posts

So i am trying to figure out for my trip in February. I need to apply for ETA, But i am leaving the UK to go to Italy and then back to the UK after that week in Italy. Do I need to apply twice or just that once for the trip.

The ETA website clearly states: "Your ETA lasts for 2 years. You can travel to the UK as many times as you want during that time."

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta#full-publication-update-history

Posted by
10426 posts

Just once. Your ETA is good for two years, no matter how many times you go in or out of the UK.

Posted by
16619 posts

This from the acceptance email:

Your ETA application has been approved.

Your ETA is valid from 8 JANUARY 2025 to 8 JANUARY 2027.

You can travel to the UK as many times as you want until your ETA expires.