Some people 'legally can't travel' without new digital permission - are you impacted?
Heathrow Airport has announced that travelers must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) starting February 25, which is legally required for entry into the UK.
Heathrow Airport has issued a new reminder concerning travel regulations that will take effect this month, stating that travelers must now obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the UK. This requirement applies to all individuals traveling, including infants and children, and involves a fee of Β£16 to allow entry for purposes such as tourism or family visits for periods of up to six months.
Effective from February 25, the announcement emphasizes that whether travelers have the UK as their final destination or are merely connecting through Heathrow, they will require an ETA to legally travel. This change is part of ongoing modifications to border regulations, reflecting the adjustments made in response to changing global conditions. The airport urges all eligible visitors to check the information available on the government website for further details and to ensure compliance with this new legal requirement.
As part of the rollout, exemptions to the requirement have been mentioned, but the specifics surrounding these exemptions were not detailed in the announcement. The implementation of the ETA is intended to streamline the entry process into the UK, but it also raises questions about the potential impact on travelers unaware of these new regulations, potentially affecting travel plans and accessibility for many individuals planning to visit the UK.