by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 2:30 PM ET, Fri January 17, 2025
Transiting through the UK on your travels just got a little bit easier.
The country’s government has announced that non-European travelers who pass through the UK's London Heathrow and Manchester airports are no longer required to obtain an online electronic travel authorization (ETA) permit.
For Americans, that means if you happen to be transiting through the UK en route to another destination, you no longer need an online ETA in order to land at either airport in the UK to catch your connecting flight.
Previously, non-Europeans were required to apply online in advance for an ETA and pay £10 (About $13). This requirement, which kicked-off on January 8, was enforced even if the traveler in question would not be stepping foot outside the UK airport during their transit.or pass through UK border passport control.
When the ETA rule was initially implemented, it was not well received by officials at London Heathrow Airport, according to The Connexion. Officials there worried that it would inspire travelers to choose other airports over London Heathrow, which would cause the airport to lose as many as 4 million passengers daily.
Government ministers, meanwhile, had said the ETA provision would help address illegal migration.
Travelers can apply online or using the UK ETA app before departure. To obtain an ETA, you'll need a valid passport, a digital headshot, travel details and a debit or credit card for payment.
In a statement on its own website, the UK government said that the change comes based on “feedback from the aviation industry.”
“The government has agreed a temporary exemption for passengers who transit airside, and therefore do not pass through UK border control,” said the statement.
Importantly however, the government describes the move as “temporary,” adding in its statement that the newly announced change will “be kept under review.”
ETA Requirements Moving Forward
In addition to individuals who are remaining in transit and not moving from ‘airside’ to ‘landside’ when passing through the two UK airports mentioned, you do not need an ETA if any of the descriptions below apply to you, according to the UK government’s website.
- You have a visa
- You have permission to live, work or study in the UK
- You are a British or Irish citizen
- You are traveling with a British overseas territories citizen passpor
- You live in Ireland and you are travelng from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man
The removal of the transit ETA is just the latest from the UK that impacts American travelers. In January, the country's government also announced that visitors to the country (as opposed to those just passing through) will need to obtain an ETA in advance.
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