✈ Why Traveling to the UK Is Getting More Expensive, Flights to Europe From 18,750 Miles & More From TPG ✈

February 4, 2025

If you’re traveling to the UK this year, there’s a new fee

by Andrew Kunesh, Senior Reporter, Cards & Loyalty

Earlier this month, the United Kingdom started requiring all incoming passengers, including Americans, to apply for a new electronic travel authorization to visit the country.

Just over one week later, the U.K. government reversed course to exempt airside transiting passengers from the ETA requirements.

The ETA is still priced at 10 pounds (about $12) per person, but the government proposed a price increase in response to removing the requirement for transiting passengers. If approved, the ETA would increase in cost from 10 to 16 pounds ($20).

This requirement applies to all visitors, except for transiting passengers, regardless of age, who can travel to the U.K. without a visa.

ETAs are valid for two years but are tied to the passport you hold when you apply, so renewing your passport means you would need to apply for a new ETA. If you are planning on traveling to the U.K. in the next few months, we recommend applying for your ETA at least two weeks in advance. Per the government, it will take up to three business days to process applications.

Be prepared to upload a headshot with your application, though travelers age 9 and under are exempt from this requirement.

Additionally, all passengers departing from the U.K. must pay an Air Passenger Duty, which varies in price based on flight distance and fare type. If you’ve ever wondered why taxes and fees are so much higher on award tickets from the U.K., this is why.

As your trips to the U.K. become more expensive, consider ways to minimize the fees, such as departing from another European destination with a lower surcharge or taking the train instead.

For more information on navigating U.K. travel this year, check out these stories:

Posts in this newsletter contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products, and this may impact how or where they appear. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.

Photo Credit: ALEXANDER SPATARI/GETTY IMAGES.

Today’s top stories

Book flights to Europe starting at 18,750 miles: Check out Flying Blue’s February Promo Rewards

With the Flying Blue Promo Rewards promotion, you can book a one-way flight from the U.S. to Europe for only 18,750 miles. Here's what you should know.

Check your SkyMiles account: Delta Choice Benefits, guest passes and MQD status boosts posting now

As a new status year kicks off at Delta Air Lines, there are lots of changes to keep track of, but new perks and benefits have also hit Delta SkyMiles accounts.

Interview with The Points Guy founder Brian Kelly

We sat down with Brian for an interview on how this book can help readers and what travelers have to look forward to from loyalty programs.

Credit card transfer bonuses (February): New Chase bonus to Virgin, American Express bonus to Avianca

A look at all the current transfer bonuses involving major credit cards and airline and hotel loyalty programs.

Best Valentine’s Day hotel packages

Check in to these hotels around the world to feel the love, whether it's with a romantic partner or even your best friend.

The latest

1.	Celebrity Cruises is taking destination immersion to the next level on its newest ship

2.	Delta Sky Club access limits have arrived: Here’s how to track your visits each year

3.	ITA Airways in ‘exit phase’ from SkyTeam as integration into Lufthansa begins

4.	Why there’s no such thing as the ‘best’ credit card

5.	Capital One Platinum credit card review: Sometimes basic just works

6.	Delta expands Australia footprint with first Melbourne flights launching in December

7.	What to do when an airline loses your luggage

8.	How to get presale tickets to Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ tour

9.	Ordering flowers online for Valentine’s Day? Here’s how to earn more rewards

10.	Islander cruise review: A complete guide to Margaritaville at Sea’s second ship

You are receiving this email because you opted in at thepointsguy.com.

Where to find us:
The Points Guy 100 5th Ave., 16th Floor New York, NY 10011 USA USA

If this newsletter was forwarded to you, you can subscribe here.

Advertiser Disclosure:

The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.

Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

THE POINTS GUY © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2025

Card Type

Card Issuer

Cobranded Cards

Learn About Credit Cards

Credit Card Reward Programs

Airline Rewards Programs

Hotel Rewards Program

Learn About Rewards Programs

Airlines

Hotels

Cruises

Resources

TPG points valuation

Award vs. cash calculator

CardMatch

Sign up for the TPG Daily for breaking news, game-changing tips and exclusive deals from TPG partners

You’re onboard! Welcome to the TPG Daily.

Advertiser disclosure

Advertiser disclosure