Travelers heading to the UK in the coming days may want to double check their electronic travel authorization (ETA) state before leaving for the airport.
At the time of publishing this article on June 3, the UK’s ETA system has been experiencing ongoing technical issues, preventing some travelers from obtaining the required clearance to board flights, trains and ferries bound for the UK. According to multiple reports that we have seen in redditSome travelers have been denied boarding after their ETA applications got stuck in processing.
In recent days, some applicants have reported receiving error messages when trying to submit applications through both the ETA app and website. Others said their applications remained stuck in processing, leaving them without an approved ETA before scheduled departures.
According to the original report by The New York TimesThe UK Home Office said in a statement that it is aware that some customers are experiencing delays and that technical teams are working to resolve the issue.
What is the ETA?
The ETA is a digital travel authorization required for visa-exempt visitors traveling to the United Kingdom, including citizens of the United States, Canada and most European countries.
Introduced last year (although there was an extensive grace period before it came into full effect earlier this year), the authorization is electronically linked to the traveler’s passport and is required before boarding transport to the UK. The ETA currently costs £20 (about $27), it is valid for two years and allows multiple visits of up to six months at a time.
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While ETA approvals are typically issued within minutes or hours, the UK government recommends travelers submit it at least three days before departure.
Related: 19 popular destinations where you need a visa or ETA to travel with a US passport
What should travelers do before traveling to the UK?
If you have an upcoming trip to the UK, check that your ETA has been approved well before you head to the airport, train station or ferry terminal.
Travelers who have not yet submitted their application should do so as soon as possible and avoid waiting until the day of departure. Those with pending applications should continue to monitor their status for updates and allow additional time should processing delays persist.
Because carriers must verify ETA approval before boarding, travelers without an approved authorization may not be able to travel until the issue is resolved.
TPG will update this story as more information becomes available.
