UK rolling out Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

[serfty]

As per post 31...

... and post #35

Post in thread 'UK rolling out Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)'

Dec 31, 2024

Edit: If anyone finds a reference to free for over 70s, please post.

There appears to be no age based exemption on any official documentation I can find online. In fact, the Official Guidance document (attached) has this:

Each traveller must get their own ETA, including children and babies.

• serfty

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[cove]

Getting into the UK with this new 2 year visa was quick when we arrived at Heathrow this week.in fact we had our driver pick up about 30 minutes after landing. Perth Airport and Sydney airport baggage handlers are usually slower than that.

 

[RooFlyer]

I saw the change and higher fee on OMaaT, so just applied with the existing fee, 'old' fee and approved almost instantly.

 

[pyffii]

“Following feedback from the aviation industry, the government has agreed a temporary exemption (Ed. note: of ETA) for passengers who transit airside, and therefore do not pass through UK border control,” explains the UK Home Office in a statement.
Does this mean what I think it says that airside transit at Heathrow doesn't require an ETA

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I saw the change and higher fee on OMaaT, so just applied with the existing fee, 'old' fee and approved almost instantly.

Unfortunately OMAAT has been too quick to post - at the expense of the facts - once again. Lucky states the UK allows sterile transfers.. which is does. But ONLY at heathrow and manchester. If you are flying anywhere else, including a transit at Gatwick, you’ll still need the ETA as you have to cross the border.

OMAAT’s caveat ‘unless you have to cross the border’ is an injustice as he doesn’t explain you’ll have to do exactly that at most airports.

Post automatically merged: Jan 18, 2025

“Following feedback from the aviation industry, the government has agreed a temporary exemption (Ed. note: of ETA) for passengers who transit airside, and therefore do not pass through UK border control,” explains the UK Home Office in a statement.
Does this mean what I think it says that airside transit at Heathrow doesn't require an ETA

correct

 

[RooFlyer]

Does this mean what I think it says that airside transit at Heathrow doesn't require an ETA

Yes. When it comes into effect.

 

[RooFlyer]

Unfortunately OMAAT has been too quick to post - at the expense of the facts - once again. Lucky states the UK allows sterile transfers.. which is does. But ONLY at heathrow and manchester. If you are flying anywhere else, including a transit at Gatwick, you’ll still need the ETA as you have to cross the border.

Fair enough. I was only looking at the fee increase, which prompted me to get in quick, as I will need it mid-year for a full entry. Absurd reaction for a trivial amount extra within the cost of an international trip, but given their APD, I wasn't inclined to give 'em any more than I need to.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Fair enough. I was only looking at the fee increase, which prompted me to get in quick, as I will need it mid-year for a full entry. Absurd reaction for a trivial amount extra within the cost of an international trip, but given their APD, I wasn't inclined to give 'em any more than I need to.

thanks to scarlett for posting the official link! while it won’t affect me either way, it will affect the rest of the party i’m flying with. If I’d taken OMAAT’s advice we may have been stuck trying to arrange ETAs at checkin

 

[I love to travel]

Organised mine this morning too even though not travelling to August. Agree with @RooFlyer with APD they have enough from me

 

[I love to travel]

On an entirely different matter was slightly annoyed that they had already included currency conversion fees and charged in AUD. Will be interesting to see whether I also get a fee on my credit card

 

[OATEK]

Decided to bring my application forward (for travel to UK 30/4) given price will rise soon. As @I love to travel said, annoying they convert to AUD and charge a fee - my total was $20.55. Approval time approx 10mins and good to go until 18/1/2027.

 

[mel-world]

I did the same but selected UK as payment country on the last page so paid GBP10 via WISE digital card that held just enough of that currency. Good rate (.5088) and only 23c fee.

 

[Scarlett]

Is there a way not to be subject to their currency conversion? Eg: I’m using my international fee free card and am quite happy to pay in GBP? I guess it’s picking up the Aus passport details and using that, or home address.

VPN?

Thank @mel-world, sounds like it’s selectable when you pay, for which currency you’d like to pay in.

 

[mel-world]

Is there a way not to be subject to their currency conversion?

Thank @mel-world, sounds like it’s selectable when you pay, for which currency you’d like to pay in.

On the last page before payment, I think it asks what country you live in. Makes no difference what you choose, just determines what currency you are charged in.

 

[Pushka]

Changed to UK and was charged $19.08 using Latitude card. Wise is loaded up with Yen for Japan trip amd didn't want to touch it.

And approved within the minute. Now MrP although he will be 70 when he travels but not for a while. But with son in UK we want to know we can travel if needed. Well, I do anyway.

 

[serfty]

... Now MrP although he will be 70 when he travels but not for a while. But with son in UK we want to know we can travel if needed. Well, I do anyway.

To be clear, despite some websites reporting otherwise, there is no age exemption published in the official UK ETA website documentation.

With that an ETA would be required whether one is 71 years or 71 days old.

 

[OATEK]

To be clear, despite some websites reporting otherwise, there is no age exemption published in the official UK ETA website documentation.

With that an ETA would be required whether one is 71 years or 71 days old.

And I can confirm there is no option anywhere in the process that would lead to you getting an exemption for over 70, and being over 70 myself I searched hard for it.

 

[Pushka]

And I can confirm there is no option anywhere in the process that would lead to you getting an exemption for over 70, and being over 70 myself I searched hard for it.

It should see by DOB your age and if there is an exemption you'd hope it would recognise that.

 

[OATEK]

It should see by DOB your age and if there is an exemption you'd hope it would recognise that.

Yes, it scanned the necessary details from the passport and displayed them, but did not offer a "pensioner" benefit.

 

[Scash]

And I can confirm there is no option anywhere in the process that would lead to you getting an exemption for over 70, and being over 70 myself I searched hard for it.

The EU ETIAS has age exemptions:-

ETIAS for Australian Citizens

Learn how Australian citizens can apply for ETIAS with this simple step-by-step guide. Get all the details to ensure a smooth application process.

etias.com

Fee Waivers: Australian citizens under 18 or over 70 years of age will benefit from waived ETIAS application fees.