Important Updates
Important Updates
July 3, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: Congress Passes Budget Reconciliation Bill with Immigration Impact
July 3, 2025 | CanadaCanada: Ontario Implements Key Reforms to the Immigrant Nominee Program
July 3, 2025 | CanadaCanada: Québec Reopens Skilled Worker Program and Unveils Selection Criteria
July 3, 2025 | United Arab EmiratesUnited Arab Emirates: Temporary Pause on Issuing Freelance Visas
July 3, 2025 | United KingdomUnited Kingdom: Migration Advisory Committee to Assess Salary Thresholds, Temporary Shortage List Occupations
July 3, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: Congress Passes Budget Reconciliation Bill with Immigration Impact
July 3, 2025 | CanadaCanada: Ontario Implements Key Reforms to the Immigrant Nominee Program
July 3, 2025 | CanadaCanada: Québec Reopens Skilled Worker Program and Unveils Selection Criteria
July 3, 2025 | United Arab EmiratesUnited Arab Emirates: Temporary Pause on Issuing Freelance Visas
July 3, 2025 | United KingdomUnited Kingdom: Migration Advisory Committee to Assess Salary Thresholds, Temporary Shortage List Occupations
July 3, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: Congress Passes Budget Reconciliation Bill with Immigration Impact
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationAustralian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • Australian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
  • Insights

The Impact of Electronic Travel Authorisation on Airlines: Compliance and Communication

October 30, 2024

The Impact of Electronic Travel Authorisation on Airlines: Compliance and Communication

Country / Territory

  • United KingdomUnited Kingdom

Related contacts

adam_hickling

Adam Hickling

Manager (Solicitor)

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9148

Related insights

  • United Kingdom: Electronic Travel Authorisation Requirement Forthcoming for Nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates
  • United Kingdom: Statement of Changes Announces Forthcoming Expansion of Nationalities Requiring ETA, New Visa Requirements for Jordanian Nationals, Among Other Changes
  • United Kingdom: eVisa System on Track for 2025 Commencement

Related offices

  • London

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

adam_hickling

Adam Hickling

Manager (Solicitor)

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9148

Related insights

  • United Kingdom: Electronic Travel Authorisation Requirement Forthcoming for Nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates
  • United Kingdom: Statement of Changes Announces Forthcoming Expansion of Nationalities Requiring ETA, New Visa Requirements for Jordanian Nationals, Among Other Changes
  • United Kingdom: eVisa System on Track for 2025 Commencement

Related offices

  • London

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

adam_hickling

Adam Hickling

Manager (Solicitor)

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9148

Related insights

  • United Kingdom: Electronic Travel Authorisation Requirement Forthcoming for Nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates
  • United Kingdom: Statement of Changes Announces Forthcoming Expansion of Nationalities Requiring ETA, New Visa Requirements for Jordanian Nationals, Among Other Changes
  • United Kingdom: eVisa System on Track for 2025 Commencement

Related offices

  • London

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

By: Adam Hickling

The Electronic Travel Authorisation, launched on 15 November 2023 for Qatari nationals, has since been extended to include further nationalities since 22 February 2024.

Two more rollouts are expected on 8 January 2025 and 2 April 2025 to effectively extend the scheme completely to all nationalities exempt from otherwise requiring a visit visa before travel to the UK, except for British/Irish nationals.

What is the ETA?

The ETA is part of an ongoing trend to fully digitalise the UK’s immigration system; it is for visitors to the UK who do not otherwise need a visa for their visit and do not hold some form of valid UK immigration permission.

The ETA is a digital permission linked to the applicant’s passport for non-visa nationals to visit the UK, for example as a tourist or as a business visitor carrying out permitted activities. The ETA needs to be applied for before travel to the UK, is quick to obtain and valid for two years. If a new passport is obtained, a new ETA is required.

What does this mean for airlines?

Implementation of the ETA is a significant change for airlines as it will mean those who otherwise did not need to evidence some form of valid permission to travel to the UK (e.g., non-visa nationals travelling to the UK as visitors), will need to have their status checked before being able to board their flight to the UK.

The introduction of the ETA has affected the Authority to Carry Regulations, requiring airlines to ensure that passengers have a valid ETA before traveling to the UK. Airlines that fail to comply with this requirement may face financial penalties of up to £50,000, emphasising the importance of thorough checks.

This is primarily a communication challenge for travellers who are accustomed to flying to the UK without needing to make any prior applications. Given the potential penalties for airlines if they do not complete the necessary checks, airlines have a vested interest in informing passengers about the ETA requirements. This could include alerts during the flight booking process or reminders after booking, helping to prevent any surprises at airport check-in.

Do aircrew members need to apply?

It is important to note that an ETA is not required by those who are exempt from immigration control. This means that it is possible for operating aircrew for most flights to and from the UK to not actually require an ETA. Aircrew members would need to meet the relevant aircrew exemption for each trip to be exempt, which effectively requires operating aircrew to be engaged to leave within seven days on the same or another aircraft.

While operating aircrew are generally exempt from needing an ETA, those who do not meet the criteria for this exemption—such as crew members in specific situations like positioning, deadheading, or supernumerary roles—will still need to obtain an ETA. Consequently, depending on their assignments, some aircrew may still need to apply for and hold a valid ETA, which is effective for two years.

Furthermore, the definition of operating crew does not extend to airport-based operational ground staff, such as engineers, station managers or air travel assistants; therefore, those holding these positions will still require the requisite UK immigration permission providing a right to work in the UK as they cannot rely on the aircrew exemption for temporary work in the UK.

Need to know more?

For questions related to the ETA or UK immigration considerations, please contact Senior Associate Adam Hickling at [email protected].

This blog was published on 30 October 2024, and due to the circumstances, there are frequent changes. To keep up to date with all the latest updates on global immigration, please subscribe to our alerts and follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram.

Country / Territory

  • United KingdomUnited Kingdom

Related contacts

adam_hickling

Adam Hickling

Manager (Solicitor)

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9148

Related insights

  • United Kingdom: Electronic Travel Authorisation Requirement Forthcoming for Nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates
  • United Kingdom: Statement of Changes Announces Forthcoming Expansion of Nationalities Requiring ETA, New Visa Requirements for Jordanian Nationals, Among Other Changes
  • United Kingdom: eVisa System on Track for 2025 Commencement

Related offices

  • London

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

adam_hickling

Adam Hickling

Manager (Solicitor)

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9148

Related insights

  • United Kingdom: Electronic Travel Authorisation Requirement Forthcoming for Nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates
  • United Kingdom: Statement of Changes Announces Forthcoming Expansion of Nationalities Requiring ETA, New Visa Requirements for Jordanian Nationals, Among Other Changes
  • United Kingdom: eVisa System on Track for 2025 Commencement

Related offices

  • London

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

adam_hickling

Adam Hickling

Manager (Solicitor)

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9148

Related insights

  • United Kingdom: Electronic Travel Authorisation Requirement Forthcoming for Nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates
  • United Kingdom: Statement of Changes Announces Forthcoming Expansion of Nationalities Requiring ETA, New Visa Requirements for Jordanian Nationals, Among Other Changes
  • United Kingdom: eVisa System on Track for 2025 Commencement

Related offices

  • London

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Podcast

David Kipp über Migration von Indien nach Deutschland

David Kipp von der Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik im Gespräch mit Marius Tollenaere, Partner im Frankfurter Büro von Fragomen.

Learn more

Blog post

EB-5: What You Should Know—And Why It Might Be Worth It

Partner Dan Schwarz and Senior Associate Mikhail (Mike) Izrailev provide an overview of the EB-5 visa program, highlighting its benefits and key considerations for potential investors.

Learn more

Blog post

The 11th Seat: Timor-Leste's ASEAN Debut and the Shifting Map of Regional Mobility

Business Immigration Consultant Ryaihanny Sahrom discusses Timor-Leste's ASEAN debut and its impact on regional mobility.

Learn more

Blog post

Understanding the Saudi Real Estate Market: What Expats Need to Know

Destination Services Manager Ali Sikandar provides essential information for expats navigating the Saudi real estate market.

Learn more

Blog post

2025 Middle East and Africa Immigration Trends: Balancing Localization Concerns with Global Talent Attraction Efforts

This blog highlights the most significant immigration developments shaping the Middle East and Africa in 2025, drawing from Fragomen’s upcoming 2025 Regional Immigration Overviews—available mid-July.

Learn more

Video

French Citizenship by Decree | Everything You Need to Know

Immigration Consultant Azela Hadia covers everything you need to know about French citizenship by decree, a legal process through which a foreign national can acquire French nationality.

Learn more

Blog post

Navigating the UAE Corporate Landscape: A Strategic Guide for Startups and Entrepreneurs

This blog provides an overview of the key factors to consider when deciding in which jurisdiction to set up a company in the UAE.

Learn more

Media mentions

TechRound: Experts Share: How Will The Global Talent Visa Help The Startup Industry?

Manager Alexander Hood explains how the UK’s Global Talent visa helps tech founders start and grow businesses without employer sponsorship.

Learn more

Blog post

The Future of Care Work in the UK: Understanding the Latest Immigration Announcements

Partner Siobhan Owers and Senior Associate Asif Hanif discuss the latest UK immigration announcements and their impact on the future of care work.

Learn more

Media mentions

Toronto Star: 25 Years Ago New Immigrants to Canada Told Us Their Dreams. We Checked In to See How They’ve Fared

Senior Business Immigration Analyst Rabaa Biry recently shared her journey to Canada and how support and perseverance helped shape her path forward.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年6月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Media mentions

Arab News: Growing Saudi Film Industry Driving Job Creation, Economic Growth

Partner Abeer Al Husseini highlights how Saudi Arabia’s growing film industry is creating jobs, attracting global talent and supporting economic diversification.

Learn more

Podcast

David Kipp über Migration von Indien nach Deutschland

David Kipp von der Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik im Gespräch mit Marius Tollenaere, Partner im Frankfurter Büro von Fragomen.

Learn more

Blog post

EB-5: What You Should Know—And Why It Might Be Worth It

Partner Dan Schwarz and Senior Associate Mikhail (Mike) Izrailev provide an overview of the EB-5 visa program, highlighting its benefits and key considerations for potential investors.

Learn more

Blog post

The 11th Seat: Timor-Leste's ASEAN Debut and the Shifting Map of Regional Mobility

Business Immigration Consultant Ryaihanny Sahrom discusses Timor-Leste's ASEAN debut and its impact on regional mobility.

Learn more

Blog post

Understanding the Saudi Real Estate Market: What Expats Need to Know

Destination Services Manager Ali Sikandar provides essential information for expats navigating the Saudi real estate market.

Learn more

Blog post

2025 Middle East and Africa Immigration Trends: Balancing Localization Concerns with Global Talent Attraction Efforts

This blog highlights the most significant immigration developments shaping the Middle East and Africa in 2025, drawing from Fragomen’s upcoming 2025 Regional Immigration Overviews—available mid-July.

Learn more

Video

French Citizenship by Decree | Everything You Need to Know

Immigration Consultant Azela Hadia covers everything you need to know about French citizenship by decree, a legal process through which a foreign national can acquire French nationality.

Learn more

Blog post

Navigating the UAE Corporate Landscape: A Strategic Guide for Startups and Entrepreneurs

This blog provides an overview of the key factors to consider when deciding in which jurisdiction to set up a company in the UAE.

Learn more

Media mentions

TechRound: Experts Share: How Will The Global Talent Visa Help The Startup Industry?

Manager Alexander Hood explains how the UK’s Global Talent visa helps tech founders start and grow businesses without employer sponsorship.

Learn more

Blog post

The Future of Care Work in the UK: Understanding the Latest Immigration Announcements

Partner Siobhan Owers and Senior Associate Asif Hanif discuss the latest UK immigration announcements and their impact on the future of care work.

Learn more

Media mentions

Toronto Star: 25 Years Ago New Immigrants to Canada Told Us Their Dreams. We Checked In to See How They’ve Fared

Senior Business Immigration Analyst Rabaa Biry recently shared her journey to Canada and how support and perseverance helped shape her path forward.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年6月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Media mentions

Arab News: Growing Saudi Film Industry Driving Job Creation, Economic Growth

Partner Abeer Al Husseini highlights how Saudi Arabia’s growing film industry is creating jobs, attracting global talent and supporting economic diversification.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.