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ETA required to enter UK as of January 8 2025

Marbe2

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Time of past OR future Camino
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I read this today. Seems to be required even if transiting?

If you're a U.S. citizen planning to transit through the UK (London) or enter the UK for short-term stays (tourism, business, etc.), you'll need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) starting January 8, 2025
 
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It took me 5 minutes to complete the electronic form in the app and then 12 minutes to receive my approval. My wife’s approval literally came one minute after submission. Very simple and fast process for us. $13-$14 usd
 
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government BS! a way to squeeze money from people with no representation. I will bet you the price will go up constantly and nobody who pay for it can do a damn thing!

I just completed the application and I don't see any value in terms of helping UK national security. Total nonsense.
 
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astcal said:
UK is a poor country but this is a new low.
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The system is very closely modelled on similar systems for other countries. UK citizens and many others have been required to make a similar ESTA application and pay for approval to enter the US for about 15 years. Why is it so unacceptable for another country to implement a system which your own has been using for years?
 
Bradypus said:
Why is it so unacceptable for another country to implement a system which your own has been using for years?
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Perhaps people don't even know that their own country has an electronic travel authorisation system for foreign travellers because they themselves, not being foreign travellers to their own country, do not have to apply, and never had to apply in the past, for an ESTAS (USA) or eTA (Canada) or ETA/eVisitor (Australia) or now ETA (UK)?

Let's concentrate on the practical aspects of the UK's ETA system. Apparently those US nationals who have already applied in recent days for a UK ETA for visiting the UK visa-free for a duration of up to 6 months or for transiting the UK on their way to Spain and elsewhere had no problems whatsoever and there was next to no delay between online application and receiving the authorisation.

As far as I can make out, it may take a little longer when your personal data give rise to some security concerns and need to be checked - which will not be the case for the overwhelming majority of Camino peregrin@s.
 
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Vacajoe said:
It took me 5 minutes to complete the electronic form in the app and then 12 minutes to receive my approval. My wife’s approval literally came one minute after submission. Very simple and fast process for us.
Click to expand...
Thanks for this feedback. Yesterday, forum member @Dave reported a similar short delay between online application and receiving approval. Quote:

"I submitted it at 7:17am this morning, was warned that it can take a couple weeks, but I received the [UK ETA] at 7:38am."​
 
Bear in mind that an electronic travel authorisation is not a visa, even when travellers call it a visa or insist that it is a visa.

Rule of thumb: ETA or ESTA is for travellers who can travel visa free. e-Visa (in countries where it exists) is for travellers who must travel with a visa; in this case, the visa is issued in electronic form and not as a visa sticker.

Cost and duration: For the USA, it is $21 and two years or until passport expires if earlier. For the UK, it is £10 [=$12.50] and two years or until passport expires if earlier.

Nice touch: The USA requires a payment of $4 even when your application for an electronic travel authorisation is refused in the end, and you have to pay the full fee of $21 only when the authorisation is granted.
 
astcal said:
...

I just completed the application and I don't see any value in terms of helping UK national security. Total nonsense.
Click to expand...
Actually it gives the government plenty of time to check people ot that plan to travel to their country. Your intent to travel in the future is now in their system, that your ETA was granted doesn't mean that there will not be further checks ...
BC SY
 
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Does ETA charge seniors the fee? Asking because ETIAS proposal waves the application fee for seniors. Though I personally try to avoid GB as a transit point, I likely will apply to have flexibility while traveling in Europe,
 
Marbe2 said:
Does ETA charge seniors the fee? Asking because ETIAS proposal waves the application fee for seniors. Though I personally try to avoid GB as a transit point, I likely will apply to have flexibility while traveling in Europe,
Click to expand...
I believe seniors have to pay.

Having applied for and used ETAs or their equivalents in USA, Canada and Australia in the last year, they have been a huge step forward when reaching border control. Much smoother. I applied for an Australia ETA last week and the process could not be smoother with instant conformation. Hopefully the EU version will replicate. I expect border control to be automated and very quick and easy.
 
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Can one get ETA approval without a specific travel date? App asks for date of travel?
 
Marbe2 said:
Can one get ETA approval without a specific travel date? App asks for date of travel?
Click to expand...
I don’t know but I would have thought so as it is effectively a multi entry travel document. I.e it is authorisation for travel to UK for a 2 year travel period as many times as you wish, within the rules. Certainly has not been an issue for USA, Canada and Australia. I got an Australian one a few days back and it is valid for one year from the date of approval. I don’t think I specified a travel date as I am not sure what date I will enter yet! Just enter during the validity period.
 
Marbe2 said:
Does ETA charge seniors the fee? Asking because ETIAS proposal waves the application fee for seniors.
Click to expand...
It's all on their websites:
 
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BS you say. Think of it as a charge to use the washroom as you pass through.
 
Marbe2 said:
Can one get ETA approval without a specific travel date? App asks for date of travel?
Click to expand...
Marbe2 said:
If you're a U.S. citizen planning to transit through the UK (London) or enter the UK for short-term stays (tourism, business, etc.), you'll need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) starting January 8, 2025
Click to expand...
Enter 8 January 2025. You will be prepared for all eventualities and can travel to the UK or transit a UK airport at the drop of your hat. Your UK ETA will be valid for two years until 7 January 2027.

It says so at the start of the app, see today's screenshot of the app's display on my iPhone:
 
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At the risk of getting political this is a consequence of the UK leaving the EU. They’re ’taking back control’ which they always had anyway. I travel back and forth to the US a couple of times a year and the ESTA system has been in place as long as I can remember. It certainly beats having to get a visa. Count your blessings, folks!
 
Just want to say that I totally agree, especially to the "count your blessings, folks" part and also that your comment is not political but historical.

I know that I had heard of the EU's ETIAS before I had heard of the UK's ETA and I wanted to check the timeline and context. Yep, definitely a Brexit / Conservative Party context, and at first it sounded to me as if it would only apply to us EU-ers but they obviously have cast their net wider and include all the nationalities who benefit from their visa waiver program. And it is definitely modelled after the US ESTA system.

For history buffs , from the BBC website, anno 2019: "The Conservatives say they would also introduce an American-style visa waiver scheme, called Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which travellers would have to obtain before reaching the UK border."

It is odd to think that this is history and I lived while history happened.

General election 2019: Tory plan to improve border security after Brexit

Automated exit and entrance checks at the border are included in the party's proposals.
bbc.com
 
So I need a little help with uploading PP and photo. I have tried sending multiple shots of PP, with only data section as requested. Not working. Also measurements on USA passport is different than request on GB ETA photo measurments? Now what? how do I het a photo to conform to these specs?
 
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Americans are a tad spoiled. (We) seem imbued with a certain sense we can travel the world at will and that we should not have to have restrictions. Ha! I remember what it was like to get a visa to travel to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait; a work permit in Germany; and permission to live in the Philippines, then Singapore. The USA has rules; other countries have rules. Surely, we can just smile and go with the flow.
 
$12.50 would be a deal! The UK gov is quite good at requiring you to pay in your own country’s currency online and then utilizing the worst conversion rate they can find.

For the ETA, it will likely be over $13. Yes, that’s a minuscule increase but I want folks to understand that the price will be more than they expect if looking at bank rates. Feel sorry for those who having to pay for actual visas and getting terrible conversion rates on bills over $5,000usd!
 
It’s a landscape photo of your passport page that includes your photo and data. They show you an example when they ask for it, so it’s very clear what they want. Does your submitted photo have glare on it? Out of focus? Include the surface it was sitting on or have your fingers obscuring the edges?

There is a second “live” photo that will also be requested and it’s similar to a photo used to secure a passport but it has to be taken at the moment, not as a photo of a photo. That process is also simple as they give you clear directions and include a digital circle on the screen where you need to position your head.
 
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Marbe2 said:
Can one get ETA approval without a specific travel date? App asks for date of travel?
Click to expand...
It’s good for two years after approval for as many travel dates you have over that time. You do not need any plans when you apply.
 
Perhaps useful to clarify for a discussion of any issue with the UK ETA application: Did you use the UK ETA online application method or did you use the UK ETA app on your smartphone?

The two methods are different. Gov.uk appears to favour the app. On their website, they ask you about three times whether you really cannot use the app ...

And I guess that everybody has a biometric passport. You know that you have a biometric passport when you see the symbol for its chip on the cover:

 
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Took me a few minutes to complete. The approval email came within one minute.

I used the iOS app and could not get the phone to connect to the chip several times. (With phone case off as directed) So I tried the “skip” choice to get past that, and it worked fine.

I was not asked for date of travel anywhere.

Flying through Heathrow in March. Fingers crossed.
 
@Marbe2, don't you have a smartphone? It may be much easier to use the app on a phone.

It is not easy for me to understand what you mean by "measurements on USA passport is different than request on GB ETA photo measurements". My guess is that you see a message like the one below (screenshot). If so, there is nothing wrong with the measurements of your photo in centimetres or inches. The issue is the resolution of your photo in pixels; it may be too low.

Use the app on a smartphone. It is very easy and there is no need to "upload" photos. The app does everything for you.

 
I am using the App UK ETA App that was sent to me by ETA. I paid but they rejected the photos and asked me to upload again! I have an older Iphone 11. With this pixel quality
1792x828 and density of 328. I have never had a problem uploading any info during covid or on UA.
 
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Thanks, I discovered early this morning, after sending many photos that they accepted the PP and Personal photo. I must have send 10 personal pics alone, and re-shot twenty which I knew would have slightly been out of the margins. Anyway, it finally accepted both and now I am waiting for final approval. Now I will do my sisters, which should be easier! Thanks! I have discovered on-line that there are a number of folks, maybe not on this forum, who are also having difficulty with the photos..
 
Quite right too! I fully agree with your view. No taxation without representation. It worked out for you in 1776 and no doubt will do so again!
If needed I shall stand fully behind any attempts to prevent you from entering the UK - let's see what the government and their ETA thinks about that!
 
This was IA generated:

AI Overview


+1

The UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) app has been reported to have issues with accepting passport photos, causing frustration for some applicants.

Common issues include:
  • Passport image recognition:
    The app sometimes struggles to correctly read passport information from the photo, leading to delays or rejections.

  • Photo quality:
    Users have experienced difficulties with the photo quality requirements, with the app rejecting blurry or low-resolution photos.

  • Passport scanning:
    Some users have reported issues with the app's ability to scan passports correctly, leading to application errors.

  • App timeout:
    The app may time out, requiring users to complete the application in one sitting as they cannot save progress.
Tips for successful passport photo submission:
  • Ensure good lighting: Take the photo in a well-lit area to avoid shadows and glare.

  • Clear image: The photo should be clear and in focus, with no blurriness or distortions.

  • Passport in good condition: The passport should be in good condition with no damage or wear and tear that might interfere with the scanning process.

  • Follow photo guidelines: Ensure the photo meets the specified requirements, including a neutral expression, plain background, and head, shoulders, and upper body visible.

  • Try taking the photo at arm's length: This can sometimes improve the quality of the photo.

  • Use a different device: If you encounter issues with the app, try using a different device or attempting the application via the website.

  • Check the app for updates: Ensure the app is up-to-date to minimize potential compatibility issues.

  • Contact support: If you encounter persistent issues, contact the UK ETA support for assistance.

In summary, the UK ETA app has encountered challenges with passport photo recognition and image quality, leading to application delays or rejections for some users. By addressing the photo quality and following the guidelines, you can increase your chances of a successful application.
 
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Thank you for sharing your experience and also for going to the trouble of generating an AI summary.

I understand that you had trouble with scanning/taking photos via the UK ETA app. What is not clear to me is whether you have now received your UK ETA authorisation, and if so how long did it take between submitting your application and receiving confirmation of the authorisation for you? And for the other persons on whose behalf you submitted an application? This information about delays if any, while not vital, may be useful for others to know.
 
Yes, I received authorization. It didn’t matter that I indicated I would initially be entering UK in April of 2025. Authorization began the day of Approval, January 2nd. 2025. So many may not want to apply more than a month ahead of the travel date,as the authorization is only for a two year window.

Once ETA accepted the photos, which I had fiddled periodically for a couple of days, I then finalized the application and approval came within 15 -30 minutes.
 
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People from the UK going to the USA have had to pay for an ESTA for years.
 
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Very interesting because where it says the app has encountered challenges, that’s just a polite way of saying “user error”. The app seems to work seamlessly if you carefully follow the process.
 
Leaderene said:
People from the UK going to the USA have had to pay for an ESTA for years.
Click to expand...

Vacajoe said:
Very interesting because where it says the app has encountered challenges, that’s just a polite way of saying “user error”. The app seems to work seamlessly if you carefully follow the process.
Click to expand...
If you read further, you will note that the app is misreading data on passports causing delays. This is not meant to be a blame game…but to help users explore possible areas to focus on if they are having problems with the App
 
Out of curiosity, I asked my version of ChatGPT: "Are there issues with uploading photos to the UK ETA app?"

The AI generated reply confirmed that there are indeed reported issues with uploading photos and included a list of tips on how to avoid this - nothing new in this list, just what one is required and expected to do anyway. It also included links to the sites that had been searched by ChatGTP and were used by ChatGTP as the source of this information: among them are frommers.com [a US travel website] and caminodesantiago.me [this forum] ... not exactly the Circle of Life but definitely the Circle of Online Information.
 
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Marbe2 said:
If you read further, you will note that the app is misreading data on passports causing delays. This is not meant to be a blame game…but to help users explore possible areas to focus on if they are having problems with the App
Click to expand...
Well it’s a blame game if folks blame the app, isn’t it? My point was that the app appears to be functioning as intended. Yes, people have had issues, but when they load the pictures properly, the app works properly. User error is different from App error.
 
When I did my UK passport application online, the system said there was something wrong with my photo. With the passport application there is an option to say the system is wrong and the photo is fine. My mum had the same issue when applying for a passport for my grandmother. We both selected the option to override the rejection of the photo and all went well.

If they're using the same system foe ETA (presumably without the option to object), then I'm not surprised there are problems.
 
I would suggest that we keep it real and exclude all apps other than the UK ETA app from the discussion and keep AI summaries out of this thread.

Everybody who posted in this thread and who had actually used the UK ETA app and applied for an UK ETA managed to get the authorisation and did so within a very short time - all in all less than an hour and not days!

Every poster except one reported that the whole process took about maximum 30 minutes, i.e. completing the application and receiving the email that informed them that the travel authorisation was granted. Only one person reported that she fiddled with the app for several days before she managed to complete her application and then she also received the positive confirmation within 15-30 minutes ... see posts #3, #28 and #35.

The summary that ChatGTP produced for me and where it said that "issues had been reported" was ... well, I'd say it was bogus. It was based on a few websites where nobody had reported an actual issue (they contained articles where the author had speculated in general terms about what could go wrong) and on the discussion in this thread!!!
 
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