The Home Office has announced a change to the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme affecting certain travellers transiting through the UK. A temporary exemption to the ETA requirement has now been introduced, aimed at streamlining transit processes at key UK airports.
Previous ETA rules for transit travellers
Under the original ETA rules, travellers of specific nationalities were required to obtain an ETA to transit through the UK, even if they did not pass through UK border control. The affected nationalities included citizens of countries such as:
- India
- Pakistan
- Nigeria
- Bangladesh
- Sri Lanka
- Other non-visa nationals requiring pre-clearance under UK border regulations.
This requirement applied regardless of whether passengers were transiting airside or entering the UK. In practice, the requirement had the effect of placing an additional administrative burden on airlines and passengers, particularly at major transit hubs like Heathrow and Manchester Airports.
New ETA exemption for transit
In response to industry feedback, the government has now introduced a temporary exemption to ETA requirements for passengers transiting airside at UK airports.
Passengers who are transiting airside and do not pass through UK border control are now exempt from the requirement to obtain an ETA. This exemption applies exclusively to Heathrow and Manchester Airports, as they are the only UK airports offering airside transit facilities.
The exemption takes effect from 16 January 2025. To ensure its effectiveness, the government will monitor the impact of this policy and conduct periodic reviews to assess whether the exemption should be continued or adjusted in the future.
Impact on travellers
Passengers from affected nationalities who meet the airside transit criteria can now travel through Heathrow or Manchester without obtaining an ETA, provided they remain within the airport’s designated transit areas and do not enter UK border control. However, travelers should confirm their eligibility and ensure compliance with the rules of their final destination.
Impact on employers and businesses
Employers with staff traveling internationally should remain aware that the exemption is limited to specific transit scenarios. Employees traveling for work may still require an ETA if their travel involves entering the UK or if their itinerary includes airports without airside transit facilities. Businesses are advised to:
- Review Compliance Processes: Ensure travel teams and employees are updated on the new rules.
- Communicate with Stakeholders: Share guidance with affected travelers to avoid unnecessary ETA applications.
- Monitor Future Changes: The exemption is temporary, so employers should stay informed of any updates to the policy.
Proposed increase in ETA fee
Travellers are also advised that the fee for the ETA is likely to increase to £16, subject to Parliamentary approval and a formal change in the regulations.
Need assistance?
The introduction of the airside transit exemption under the ETA scheme provides a welcome simplification for certain travelers, particularly those from key transit markets. However, the limited scope of the exemption means that most travelers will still need to comply with ETA requirements. Employers and travelers are encouraged to review these changes carefully to ensure compliance and avoid disruptions to travel plans.
For further guidance or assistance with the ETA scheme, contact us.
Author
Founder and Managing Director Anne Morris is a fully qualified solicitor and trusted adviser to large corporates through to SMEs, providing strategic immigration and global mobility advice to support employers with UK operations to meet their workforce needs through corporate immigration.
She is a recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers as a legal expert and delivers Board-level advice on business migration and compliance risk management as well as overseeing the firm’s development of new client propositions and delivery of cost and time efficient processing of applications.
Anne is an active public speaker, immigration commentator, and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals
