Electronic travel authorisation required for United Kingdom

Beginning January 8, 2025, the United Kingdom started requiring an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) for all U.S. citizen travelers, including children, who do not currently possess a UK visa. Travelers without an ETA will be denied access to the UK. Travelers who are connecting through the UK and continuing to other countries may have additional requirements and should verify and plan ahead for the requirements of their final destination. 

An online ETA application must be completed in advance, which will require travelers to enter personal and professional information and upload photos of themselves and their original passport. According to the UK’s official website, applications are typically processed in three working days but may take longer. The cost associated with obtaining an ETA is an eligible expense for Purdue Travel Cards and Purchasing Cards or may be reimbursed to the traveler if paid directly with personal funds. Each ETA will be valid for multiple entries in the UK during a two-year period or until the traveler’s passport expiration date, whichever comes first.

While AAA Corporate Travel, Purdue’s partnered travel agency, is unable to complete ETA applications on a traveler’s behalf, agents are available to help book international travel arrangements or to consult with about required documentation ahead of international travel for business needs. There is no cost to the traveler for utilizing AAA Corporate Travel for Purdue business travel arrangements. Travelers are strongly encouraged to work with AAA Corporate Travel to ensure all requirements are met in advance. Contact information is listed at the link.

Additional information about ETAs and the application process is available on the UK website. Documentation requirements for European travel continue to evolve, and registration requirements for European Union countries are expected this summer.

Questions about travel expenses or assistance with expense reports may be sent to Purdue Travel at purduetravel@purdue.edu.