Experience with ETA and arriving as an American

Wearing shorts and flip flops probably didn't help

I am seeing weather in Glasgow being mid 30s( low) to mid 40s (high).

They must have been from Minnesota or Alaska to be dressed like that. ( cold weather places, not a comment on anything else)

But at the weekend the weather was more like May than March, warmer than the south of Spain in places. At the end of last week Altnaharra in the Scottish Highlands (a known severe cold spot in the Winter) was the warmest place in the UK at 16C.

I was taken aback yesterday morning in Cumbria when I opened the door, and we had suddenly turned back cold again with a really distinct wind chill. So when they left the US it was almost shorts and flip flops weather, then turned overnight.

Your post is a good reminder, Frank.

I flew in with my ETA to Glasgow on Thursday, and as you said, there was literally nothing different about the entry process.

I took the airport bus into town, to the Voco Grand Central at Central Station, where i stayed for three nights. I went to Edinburgh and back on Friday via train (for a concert that was the impetus for this trip), then spent Saturday and Sunday in Glasgow before flying back to Paris Sunday night.

I had a grand time as usual, visiting some old favorites and seeing a few new places. I did get into a small and friendly political discussion with a Canadian woman at a bar in Edinburgh Friday evening (it ended in a hug).

And indeed the weather Saturday and Sunday was absolutely glorious. And in the West End, in the University area, the daffodils and croci were blooming, students were out on the lawns, etc. It was really lovely.

The one issue was departing Glasgow, the security line at the airport was absurdly long, as they only had two machines operating. But I had left plenty of time. I don't mine coming in to Glasgow airport but I really hate it for flying out, I hate how it is set up..but oh well.

Thanks Frank for the update. We haven’t done our ETA applications yet for our September trip, but it’s good to know things are going smoothly with that. On the other front, I appreciate the feedback as well and hope that we will be able to feel the same warm hospitality the wonderful people of the UK have always shown. I read somewhere online about Americans intending to travel to Europe for an extended period of time taking language classes to learn how to speak with a Canadian accent in the attempt to pass off as a Canadian national. Unreal times we are living in.

Americans intending to travel to Europe for an extended period of time taking language classes to learn how to speak with a Canadian accent in the attempt to pass off as a Canadian national.

is that speaking with a southern drawl and ending the sentence with an "eh?"

I think many are a bit taken aback by the non-event, like they were expecting to show proof, or be questioned about it. It says a lot that after two months, this really is about the first discussion on what happened at arrival.

Even more surprising is the lack of reports on those who may have arrived without an ETA. There was discussion of an informal grace period, but to my knowledge, airlines are not checking, or preventing boarding, for an ETA; you really have nothing to show them other than an email. Technically you need only have submitted it, not received approval.

I suppose, at most, the lack of an ETA may bounce you out of the e-gate line and having to confront an actual person, but really have heard nothing.

Wearing shorts and flip flops probably didn't help.

Sorry, I've lost track on the scorecard...are we policing appropriate clothing again, or is it still the "wear what you wear at home and find comfortable, no one will care" position? I'm going to Germany in a week and still have my flannel pajamas packed as my main day attire. /s

Nigel, I actually think the article was satirical in nature, but I am sure given the current state of affairs, some Americans may opt to try to pass off as Canadian when abroad. I personally would have a very hard time doing so when I speak. My Minnesota relatives give me such a hard time abt my Southern accent, and I am not even from the Deep South. No amount of ending my sentences with “eh” or using the phrase “out and about” can help me. But I do try to be as genuinely kind, thoughtful and respectful as our Northern neighbors!

I admit to being rather perplexed by all the concern I have seen on this forum regarding Americans travelling to Europe and the treatment they expect to receive. In the most polite way possible: the world does not centre on America, we have our own issues here, and no one cares that deeply which country tourists are coming from. This is my personal experience anyway, which I hope some may find reassuring (and is meant kindly!).

Thanks Cat for sharing your thoughts. We are really looking forward to our trip in September!