All travellers, except the UK and Ireland, will need to pay a £10 visa waiver to enter the UK. The new electronic travel authorisation (UK ETA) system will affect most international arrivals and even include transit passengers changing planes from 2 April 2025.
The UK ETA – first rolled out to Gulf Coast Council (GCC) nations – costs £10 (around AUD$19.50) and is valid for multiple entries to the UK for two years or until the traveller’s passport expires, whichever is sooner.
UK ETA rollout for the rest of the world
The UK ETA will apply to other countries, including Australian passport holders, from November 2024 and then include European nationals by April 2025.
ETA applications will open on 27 November 2024, however, Aussies will not be required to have an ETA to travel to the UK until 8 January 2025.
The application process is completed online via a UK government website or the UK ETA app and once approved – typically within three working days – it will be linked to a traveller’s passport.
UK Minister for Migration and Citizenship Seema Malhotra said the new digital system would “enable a smooth experience for the millions of people who pass through the border every year”.
“The worldwide expansion of the ETA demonstrates our commitment to enhance security through new technology and embedding a modern immigration system.”
What does it mean for UK travel?
The UK Government is currently working with airlines, ferry and rail operators to ensure a smooth implementation amid fears the changes will impact UK airlines and tourism.
The UK is the only country to insist on ETAs for transit passengers.
According to The Independent, travel industry experts predict overseas travellers will switch to other hubs to avoid extra red tape and cost – harming Heathrow and leading to a slump in customers for British Airways and Virgin Atlantic.
About 30 per cent of passengers at London Heathrow are in transit.
The US and Canada have similar schemes – the US ESTA began in 2009 and currently costs USD$21 (AUD$31.50) for two years while the Canadian eTA, available since 2015, is valid for five years or until your passport expires and costs CAD$7 (AUD$7.75).
The rollout of the European Union’s ETIAS, initially planned for January 2023, has been postponed to 2025.
The ETIAS – valid for three years and granting visa-free entry to 30 countries – will cost travellers €7 (about AUD$11.55).
