A spokesperson for corporate travel management company, Amex Global Business Travel (GBT), has reacted to likely upcoming changes to travel authorisation requirements for visitors to the UK. Holger Luikenga, vice-president of Amex GBT global services, said: “Ahead of the holiday season, travellers and businesses should be prepared for significant changes to travel authorisation requirements for visitors to the UK.
“Applicants typically receive approval within three business days, although some cases may take longer, so it’s advisable to apply online for ETAs well in advance of planned trips.”
From 8 January 2025, eligible non-European visitors, including those from the US, Canada, and Australia, will need to obtain the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before traveling.
From April 2025, all visitors to the UK who do not need a visa for short stays and who do not already have a UK immigration status, including Europeans, will need an ETA.
The application process involves a £10 fee, a valid passport, and personal and trip-related information.
Once granted, ETAs are digitally linked to a traveller’s passport and allow for stays of up to six months at a time – including both short trips and more extended stays.
This expansion follows the successful rollout of ETAs to Gulf Co-operation Council nationals earlier this year. In the first half of 2024, over 243,000 Gulf nationals were issued with ETAs and can now benefit from smoother, easier travel to the UK for short trips.
ETAs are designed to enhance security through new technology and make the UK border more efficient.
Eligible visitors should apply for their ETA through the UK ETA app, which enables most applicants to receive a decision in hours. Visitors can also apply on GOV.UK if they do not have access to a smartphone.
To help support seamless travel, Amex GBT has published detailed information, resources and links here.
