The UK is preparing to increase the cost of its Electronic Travel Authorisation from £10 to £16, while exempting some transit passengers. The proposed change has triggered concern across the travel industry and could affect how visitors plan UK trips in 2025.
Airlines are warning that the UK's planned ETA fee increase could make the country less competitive for international visitors. The criticism comes just as the new digital travel permission is being introduced more widely.
IATA has publicly opposed the UK's plan to raise the ETA fee by 60% only days after the system's wider introduction. The group says the move clashes with tourism growth goals and adds another cost on top of existing air travel taxes.
As the UK prepares to roll out its Electronic Travel Authorisation for European travellers, leading figures in the travel industry are pushing back — warning that introducing multiple border systems at once could cause widespread confusion.
ETIAS applications can be completed by a travel agent, friend or relative, but the traveller remains responsible for the information submitted. The official rules focus on trust, written authorisation and transparency over fees.
When ETIAS launches, you will not need to submit the application yourself. A trusted person or travel agent can do it on your behalf — but there are important safeguards to follow.
When ETIAS launches, you will not need to submit the application yourself. A trusted person or travel agent can do it on your behalf — but there are important safeguards to follow.
Europe is moving toward a new pre-travel authorization system for many non-EU visitors. ETIAS is not a visa, but it will add a mandatory online step before short trips to the Schengen Area.
Australian travellers are facing new pre-travel requirements for both the United States and Europe. The US Global Entry programme and the EU's ETIAS both require advance authorisation before crossing their respective borders.
Australian travellers are facing new pre-travel requirements for both the United States and Europe. The US Global Entry programme and the EU's ETIAS both require advance authorisation before crossing their respective borders.