Government reverses visa rule for Heathrow transit passengers

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London Heathrow airport has welcomed a Home Office U-turn on transit passengers needing online ETA permits simply to change planes.

Since earlier this month, all non-Europeans intending to travel to Britain without a visa have needed to apply in advance online and pay £10 for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA).

Unlike almost all hub airports worldwide, the permit was deemed necessary even for passengers who were changing planes at Heathrow with no intention of going through passport control.

Airport and airline bosses predicted the demand would send thousands of passengers each day to rivals in Continental Europe, where no such rules exist for connecting travellers. Heathrow warned it could lose four million passengers each year.

Labour had continued with the policy of Rishi Sunak’s government, with ministers claiming airside transit without an ETA would increase the risk of illegal migration.

But the Home Office has now caved in to pressure from Heathrow and airlines.

In a statement it said: “Following feedback from the aviation industry, the government has agreed a temporary exemption for passengers who transit airside, and therefore do not pass through UK border control.”

Heathrow’s chief executive, Thomas Woldbye, said: “The removal of airside transit passengers from the ETA scheme is the right decision and we welcome it.

“This is a critical move to ensure Heathrow and the aviation industry as a whole can continue to deliver for everyone who depends on our world-leading connectivity.

“It shows that the government is listening to industry concerns and is willing to make the necessary changes to strengthen the UK’s competitiveness and drive economic growth.”

Heathrow handles the vast majority of passengers changing planes in the UK. Manchester airport also has a transit facility, but with far fewer users.

The Home Office also announced an increase in the price of an ETA from £10 to £16. It is not known when the rise will take effect.

Starting on 3 April 2025, all visitors to the UK apart from British and Irish citizens will need an ETA.