UK drops entry fee for transit passengers — but could hike price by 60% for everyone else

The United Kingdom government has made a significant change to its new Electronic Travel Authorisation program just weeks after rolling it out to U.S. passengers Jan. 8.

Upon its launch, the U.K.'s ETA scheme — similar to the United States' Electronic System for Travel Authorization program and the European Union's planned European Travel Information and Authorisation System — meant that nonvisa travelers were required to apply for authorization to enter the country and pay a fee of 10 British pounds (around $12).

Unlike similar schemes in other nations, that fee also applied to passengers simply transiting in the U.K. without intending to pass through passport control.

Following backlash from the U.K. aviation and airport industry, the British government has reversed this ruling: Transit passengers will be exempt from the ETA requirements. However, the government has also proposed an increased ETA fee for other nonvisa travelers.

Here's what you need to know.

ETA basics: What is it and who needs it?

The U.K. initially launched its ETA scheme in 2024 for visitors from the Gulf Cooperation Council states. It expanded the program to include travelers from the U.S., Canada, Australia and others Jan. 8. It will roll out to the rest of the EU in April.

The ETA program mandates that most nonvisa travelers apply for permission before entering the country. The application process involves submitting personal information online and paying a fee, initially set at 10 pounds.

After a successful application, the ETA is valid for two years but is tied to your passport; therefore, renewing your passport would require reapplying for a new ETA.

Travelers must apply for an ETA online before they travel. It can take up to three business days to obtain clearance. You can apply on the U.K. government website or the U.K. government app, which is available on iOS and Android.

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What are the ETA changes for transit travelers?

The U.K. government's initial plan required all passengers, even those merely connecting at U.K. airports, to apply for an ETA. This ruling largely affected passengers traveling through London's Heathrow Airport (LHR) and Manchester Airport (MAN).

This decision proved controversial and received backlash from airlines like British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, as well as airport operators. They argued the rule was uncompetitive compared to other global hubs in Europe.

Heathrow, in particular, warned that the policy could drive away up to 4 million passengers annually as travelers opt for hassle-free alternatives in continental Europe.

In response to industry pressure, the government has now announced a reversal: Airside transit passengers will no longer need an ETA.

This move aligns the U.K. with the practices of other major international hubs.

"The removal of airside transit passengers from the ETA scheme is the right decision and we welcome it," Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye said. "It shows that the Government is listening to industry concerns and is willing to make the necessary changes to strengthen the UK's competitiveness and drive economic growth."

However, it is worth noting that the U.K. government has said that this ruling is temporary and will be "kept under review." Given the initial furor, a reversal seems unlikely anytime soon.

Will the ETA fee increase for everyone else?

While the exemption for transit travelers is good news, the cost of an ETA for everyone else could now increase by 60% following new proposals from the U.K. government Thursday.

The latest proposal would raise the fee from 10 to 16 pounds (around $20). For a family of four (including those traveling with infants), the cost to travel to the U.K. would rise from 40 pounds (around $49) to 64 pounds (around $78).

The U.K. Parliament still needs to debate this legislation before it can be fully approved, and there is no clear date for when a price increase could take effect.

According to the Home Office, the ETA price increase and a slew of other immigration system changes could generate an additional 269 million pounds (around $328 million) per year.

Who still needs an ETA?

The ETA is required for most travelers entering the U.K., except for those who:

• Hold a British or Irish passport
• Have permission to live, work or study in the U.K.
• Possess a valid U.K. visa
• Are traveling with a British Overseas Territories citizen passport

Irish residents are exempt when entering from Ireland, the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands; they'll need an ETA if traveling to the U.K. from other countries, though.

Bottom line

The exemption eliminates the need for additional paperwork and costs for those connecting through Heathrow or Manchester airports without entering the U.K.

The policy shift is great news for the U.K. aviation industry and airlines looking to maintain competitiveness. However, a proposed higher ETA cost could add to tourists' overall expenses.

While the government hasn't confirmed when a potential fee increase could take effect, it seems only a matter of time before it does. Travelers should check for updates before booking trips and ensure their ETA applications are up to date.