Just curious if we need Etias or Esta to travel to Italy in April. Has it become official yet? I had been reading about it and not sure if it is in effect yet. I read not till August on Etias but not sure on Esta. Trying to find any information on this if we need to apply for our April 9 day Italy trip. I appreciate any information on this.
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
12259 posts
What country issued your passport?
ETIAS has only a slim chance of becoming effect in 2025
ESTA is a US program for non-citizens to enter the US
Posted by
Denver, CO USA
572 posts
If you are traveling thru the UK, then you will need an ETA.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta
Posted by
Singapore
693 posts
Davebarnes, the government introduced amending in Parliament this week providing a temporary exemption from ETA requirements for transit passengers. It's subject to debate and a vote, but highly likely to have passed by the time the OP travels.
Yes, it's labels as temporary, bur the commentary seems to be suggesting it will end up being permanent.
Incidentally, ETA fees will go up to £16.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/next-steps-for-a-more-efficient-immigration-system
Posted by
Oxford, United Kingdom
5507 posts
If you are traveling thru the UK, then you will need an ETA.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta
If you follow that link you will see:
You do not need an ETA to transit through the UK if you will not pass through border control (‘airside’ transit).
This change was made on 17 January.
Posted by
Denver, CO USA
572 posts
I am glad someone is reading the ETA fine print
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
34631 posts
ETA is not yet set to change to £16, for those who need it
Posted by
Freedonia
16791 posts
The proposal the government is offering to Parliament is to give them the right to raise the ETA fee to 16 GBP if needed. No announcements have been made that the fee will be raised.
The same proposal will give the government to raise most fees regarding immigration.
The government would get a lot of pushback from airlines and airports if just after they introduce the ETA they raise its cost by 60%.
Posted by
Freedonia
16791 posts
The proposal the government is offering to Parliament is to give them the right to raise the ETA fee to 16 GBP if needed. No announcements have been made that the fee will be raised.
The same proposal will give the government to raise most fees regarding immigration.
The government would get a lot of pushback from airlines and airports if just after they introduce the ETA they raise its cost by 60%.
Regarding ETIAS.....it's been postponed for years. I'll actually believe it's going to come into being when it actually appears.