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If your next trip to Europe or Asia includes a stopover at Heathrow Airport, it’sa good idea to double-check the travel requirements before you pack your suitcase.
Just a few weeks after launching their new electronic travel authorization requirement on Jan. 8, the United Kingdom is already tweaking the policy. In fact, it may no longer apply to you.
The ETA is no longer required for travellers to the U.K. who are not leaving the airport. If you’re simply landing and connecting to another destination and not going through border control, you are exempt.
In addition, the U.K. is considering an increase to the fee for ETA applications. Currently, it costs £10 ($18) to apply for the digital authorization, but that could be increased to £16 ($28). (The proposed increase is awaiting approval by the House of Commons and the House of Lords before implementation.)
The goal of the ETA is to streamline access for visitors travelling to the country, acting like a mini background check before they even leave home.
The easiest way to apply for the ETA is through the app UK ETA (available on iPhone and Android phone). It takes 10 minutes to apply, and the app is more likely to get you a quicker decision.
Before you begin the application process make sure you have a photo of yourself or the person applying for the ETA, your passport and a credit card, debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay for the application fee.
The ETA is valid for two years. You can travel to the U.K. as often you like during that time. You will need to get a new ETA if you get a new passport. Even babies and children require an ETA to enter the U.K. An ETA cannot be used to stay in the U.K. for longer than six months. Nor does it qualify you to do paid or unpaid work for a local company.
The U.K. Home Office has also created a video to walk travellers through the application process.
Similarly, the European Commission has planned its own electronic travel authorization, but its implementation has been postponed until later this year. The fee for the European ETIAS will be €7 ($10.36). The ETIAS is not yet operational and applications are not currently being collected.