UK Exempts ETA Requirement for Transit Passengers

Name: UK Exempts ETA Requirement for Transit Passengers | IaM (Immigration and
Uploaded: 2025-01-16T04:00:00+00:00
Description: Travellers transiting through the UK have received a significant reprieve: they will no longer need to apply

Travellers transiting through the UK have received a significant reprieve: they will no longer need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) if they do not pass through UK border control.

Earlier this month, non-Europeans travelling to the UK without a visa were required to apply online and pay £10 for an ETA. However, the UK government has announced a temporary exemption from this requirement for airside transit passengers—those who remain within the airport's international departure area and do not go through immigration.

This exemption mainly benefits transit passengers at London Heathrow and Manchester Airport, the only UK airports with airside transit facilities.

According to the Home Office, the decision follows feedback from the aviation industry, which expressed concerns over the additional burden for transit passengers.

“The government has agreed a temporary exemption for passengers who transit airside and do not pass through UK border control.”

Transit passengers at Heathrow can follow the airport’s purple “Flight Connections” signs to seamlessly transfer between flights without clearing immigration. However, if you’re connecting on separate tickets and need to collect and recheck your bags, an ETA will still be required.

Heathrow’s CEO, Thomas Woldbye, welcomed the move:

“The removal of airside transit passengers from the ETA scheme is the right decision. It shows the government is listening to industry concerns and taking steps to strengthen the UK’s competitiveness while driving economic growth.”

What’s Next for ETAs?

While the exemption is a relief for transit passengers, the UK government has indicated a possible price increase for ETAs, from £10 to £16, though no timeline for this change has been confirmed.

This exemption simplifies the process and reduces costs for most passengers making airside transfers. However, those who need to clear immigration to switch terminals or collect luggage will still require an ETA.

Heathrow, which handles the majority of the UK’s transit passengers, is expected to benefit the most from this policy adjustment. Manchester Airport also offers airside transit facilities but serves far fewer passengers in this capacity.

By responding to feedback from industry leaders, the UK government has demonstrated flexibility, paving the way for smoother connections through its airports while maintaining its border security protocols.

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