People walk across London's Millennium Bridge, with St. Paul's Cathedral in the background. Starting Jan. 8, 2025, most Americans, including U.S. service members and their families stationed in continental Europe, will need to apply for travel permission several days in advance of visiting or transiting through the United Kingdom while on leave. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes)
KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany — U.S. service members stationed in the U.K. are exempt from a new British arrival procedure, while those based in continental Europe will need to sign up for authorization like most other nonresident visitors before they travel.
A British government requirement for electronic travel authorizations went into force Wednesday, affecting visitors who don’t need a visa for short stays or who don’t have a U.K. immigration status.
The digital permission may take up to three working days to process and costs 10 pounds, or approximately $12.75, according to U.S. Army Europe and Africa. Travelers may apply for other people and do not need to provide travel details. Those with connecting flights at U.K. airports are required to apply, according to the British government’s website.
American military members who are stationed in the U.K. or traveling on official orders do not need to sign up, but they will need to show a common access card and travel orders to border control agents, a British government statement shared by RAF Lakenheath’s Facebook page said Wednesday.
Family members of U.S. personnel stationed in the U.K. must present their no-fee passport and sponsor’s orders, while civilians and their dependents must show a no-fee passport with a valid visa.
The new ETA is intended to enhance border security and is in line with similar requirements for foreign travelers to the United States and Australia, according to the British government statement.
“An ETA is a digital permission to travel. It is not a visa and does not permit entry” but rather authorizes an individual to travel to the country, the British government said.
Applicants will need to provide their biographic, biometric and contact details, and answer a short set of questions.
The travel authorization is valid for two years or until the expiration date of the person’s passport. It can be used for multiple trips to the U.K. for stays of up to six months at a time.
To apply, go to https://etauk.co.uk/.
