Since late 2023, the UK has been taking steps to digitize the travel process.  In October of 2023, Electronic Travel Authorizations (ETA) became required for nationals from a handful of countries in the Middle East in order to travel to the UK without a visa. (Please see this link to apply: Apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)). 

Afterwards, on April 6th, 2024, the requirement to submit General Aviation Reports (GAR) electronically went into effect, along with several other changes, as detailed by Flight Pro International (FPI) back in May. (More details found HERE.)

More recently, the UK announced that all visa-free travelers to the UK will require an ETA in the future.  U.S. nationals, and most other non-Europeans, can apply beginning November 27th, 2024, and they will need an ETA for travel to the UK starting January 8th, 2025.  (Please see link for a list of nationalities: Check when you can get an electronic travel authorization (ETA) – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk))

Most European nationalities will be able to apply starting March 5th, 2025, and they will need it for travel as of April 2nd, 2025.

In addition, the UK is replacing physical documents (such as residence cards, residence permits, and visas) with eVisas, which are online records of immigration status.  Most document holders should already be aware of how to access their eVisa, however information on how to obtain or access eVisas can be found at the following link: Online immigration status (eVisa) – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

For U.S. operators and travelers, the most impactful change is the requirement to have an ETA for travel to the UK.  If you are planning to travel to the UK in 2025, be sure to mark November 27th on your calendar and get your ETA application in as soon as possible.

Please contact Flight Pro’s Regulatory Support team at [email protected] with any additional questions.

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To learn more about FPI, FPC, or regarding the Compliance, Operations, Regulatory, and other Special Services Network (SSN) teams, please contact our Operations staff here at Flight Pro International.

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