UK travel authorisation now required for some airside transit passengers

The Electronic Travel Authorisation applies to visa-free visitors, and the exemption that covered passengers staying airside has been narrowed. Airlines are refusing boarding where no approved authorisation is linked to the passport.

Applications are made in the official app or on the government website, cost a small fee, and are usually approved within minutes — but the guidance still allows up to three working days.

One authorisation covers multiple trips for two years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. It is tied to the passport, so renewing your passport means reapplying.