Not long ago I read a good, informative post here on the forum about the soon to be required ETA for travel to the UK. Today I went ahead and downloaded the UK ETA app and applied since I have an upcoming trip there in the new year. In a matter of minutes after submittal I was approved. The steps in the app were easy to follow. The only thing that confused me was finding the location of the electronic chip in the passport. I had assumed it was located in the front cover under the icon and was unsuccessful at first. It is actually embedded in the top back cover page of my passport. Once approved the ETA is electronically linked to your passport so no printed document or card is necessary.
I just did this myself, and it was as easy as you said….except I couldn’t find the chip, so I just answered a few questions
Hi
Is the ETA required if I have a 2 hour layover at Heathrow on Jan. 12, 2025?
Thank you.
Is the ETA required if I have a 2 hour layover at Heathrow on Jan. 12, 2025?
Thank you.
Just reading the page at the link below, I'd say yes, but I'm not a lawyer --
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta
@ Nancy. The answer is yes.
The Gov.UK video on the ETA specifically says yes, you need an ETA for transiting through the airports. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/electronic-travel-authorisation-eta-help-videos/what-is-an-eta-video
This is the Gov.UK link on how to get an ETA: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta
This is a recent thread on forum folks' experience in obtaining an ETA: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/england/uk-eta-application-experience