The Home Office has announced that non-visa nationals transiting the UK airside on their way to another destination will not require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), at least for a temporary period.

On 16 January 2025 the Home Office announced in a news story that ETA-eligible passengers will not need to apply for one if they are transiting the UK ‘airside’, i.e. they do not pass through UK border control before departing for their next destination. The ETA application page on GOV.UK has also been updated.

The ETA requirement still applies to ETA-eligible nationals who intend to transit the UK ‘landside’, i.e. passing through UK border control before travelling to their next destination. 

When does the ETA exemption for airside transit passengers start and end?

The exemption started from 16 January 2025 and is stated to be temporary. The Home Office has undertaken to keep the arrangement under review.

Why has this change been made?

The exemption has been agreed by the Government after the aviation industry presented evidence that the fee and associated administration of the ETA has deterred airside transit passengers from flying through Heathrow and Manchester airports.   

What cost can airside transit passengers now avoid?

An ETA currently costs £10, however, subject to Parliamentary approval, this figure is due to rise to £16 in Spring 2025. For further information on this change, see our separate article here.

Need further help?

If you have any queries about this change, or about how the ETA requirement may affect you, please see our more detailed article here, or contact a member of our Immigration team.

 

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