WHAT’S YOUR ETA?: NAVIGATING THE UK TRAVEL POLICY UPDATE
January 29, 2025
Curating exceptional private travel—both domestic and abroad—requires expertise, experience and refinement. At Flexjet, we are committed to delivering these experiences for our aircraft Owners with a passion unmatched by any in the industry. However, when venturing outside of routine domestic travel, it is important to note that international trips can involve additional layers of planning and preparation. This always includes navigating any visa and customs policies for your destination. Whether traveling for business or pleasure, you want the process to be as seamless as possible.
Our professionals closely monitor and research international travel policies, as they are subject to change at any time of year. Most recently, the United Kingdom has updated its travel policies for visa-exempt nationals—impacting business and tourism travelers alike.
In this timely update, our team has broken down this impactful policy shift for our aircraft Owners so they can implement it simply and efficiently before their UK travels. Read on to learn more about the UK ETA and what it could mean for your travel plans.
WHAT IS THE UK ETA?
Standing for Electronic Travel Authorization, the ETA mandates that visa-exempt nationals now request official entry to the UK or a UK territory. The UK ETA went into effect for non-European visa-exempt nationals on January 8, 2025, impacting U.S. passport holders to require proof of the ETA.
Those exempt from the UK ETA include individuals with a British or Irish passport; permission to live, work or study in the UK; or a visa to enter the UK. If you would like to learn more, reach out to your Owner Services Specialist or visit the UK government visa page to determine your specific entry requirements.
It is important to note, that the UK ETA is also required for those transiting through the UK. So, if you have a layover in a UK airport or are traveling through the country as part of a longer journey, you may need an ETA.
HOW CAN YOU APPLY FOR A UK ETA?
Once you or your Owner Services Specialist determines a need for an ETA, you should download the UK ETA app from the Google Play or Apple App Store. You can also apply online at this link. For those applying on behalf of someone else, you will need to use the link.
From there, the platform will prompt you to take or upload a photo of your passport and scan your passport if applicable. You will then need to take or upload a photo of yourself, answer relevant questions and submit a £10 payment. This process is relatively quick and simple, but if you have any questions or trouble, please reach out to our team for expedient assistance.
HOW LONG DOES MY ETA LAST?
Once approved, your ETA is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires. In this window, you may travel to the UK as many times as you wish, staying up to six months for each visit. The ETA does not exempt you from traditional customs procedures, meaning you still need to see a Border Force officer to enter the UK.
While required for entry, the UK ETA does not guarantee access to the UK should other restrictions determined by the UK government apply to your journey. Our team of seasoned professionals is knowledgeable on any regulations you need to be aware of and how to prepare for a smooth entry into the UK or other international destinations.
FAQS ABOUT APPLYING FOR THE UK ETA
Q: How much will it cost?
A: It costs £10 to apply.
Q: How long will it take?
A: You will usually get a decision within 3 working days. It may occasionally take longer.
Q: Can you submit group applications?
A: Each person must apply separately. You may get a decision at a different time from someone else in your group, even if you applied at the same time.
Q: What if I need to travel soon?
A: You must apply for an ETA before you travel to the UK. You can travel to the UK while waiting for a decision if you have a reference number.
Q: What happens after I apply?
A: You will receive an ETA reference number and email to confirm your application. The number will be linked to the passport with which you applied.
Q: Does this ETA impact European Nationals?
A: Starting April 2, 2025, most European Nationals will require the ETA to travel to the UK. Applications for European Nationals open on March 5, 2025. If you think this may apply to you, ask your Owner Services Specialist for further clarification.
WHICH AIRCRAFT IS BEST FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL?
When exploring which aircraft is best for making the trip from the U.S. to the UK, there are several factors to look at including departure location, number of passengers and personal preference. If you are a Gulfstream G650 Owner, your jet will easily make the journey from anywhere in the continental U.S. to the UK. However, if you are an Owner of one of our other ultra-modern private jets, you may want to consider our interchange options to ensure you have the optimal aircraft for your travels.
If you have more questions about the UK ETA or other international travel policies, please reach out to our Owner Services team today.
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