The UK is rolling out its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) as part of a broader scheme called the Universal Permission to Travel (UPT). This initiative will affect how both commercial and general aviation operators manage passenger travel permissions.

What is the Universal Permission to Travel (UPT) Scheme?

The UPT is designed to strengthen the UK’s border security by ensuring that all travellers have valid travel permissions before arriving. This new system will include digital travel permissions like the ETA and e-visas. By 2025, most permissions will be digital, and carriers will need to verify them before boarding passengers. The goal is to reduce the number of passengers denied entry upon arrival, lowering detention and removal costs, which are currently borne by the carriers.

What is ETA and Who Needs It?

The ETA is an electronic travel authorisation linked to the traveller’s passport and valid for two years (or less, depending on the passport’s expiration). It applies to visa-exempt passengers and those who do not hold UK immigration status. Those travelling with a British or Irish passport, or with permission to live, work, or study in the UK, are exempt from the ETA requirement.

Key dates for the rollout:

• November 15, 2023: ETA applied to nationals of Qatar.
• February 22, 2024: ETA expanded to nationals of Bahrain, Jordan (revoked, as of September 10, 2024), Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
• January 8, 2025: ETA covers nationals from most other countries, including the U.S.
• April 2, 2025: ETA applies to nationals from Europe.

Even passengers transiting through the UK will require an ETA. Applications will cost £10 (approximately $13) and should typically be processed within three working days. The ETA allows multiple entries into the UK, but a new application will be required if the traveller gets a new passport.

How Will This Impact Operators?

The introduction of the ETA changes the UK’s Authority to Carry regulations, part of the “no-fly” scheme. This means that carriers must now verify whether passengers have a valid ETA or any other required permission to travel. Passengers denied an ETA or whose ETA is cancelled will be added to the list of travellers that carriers cannot transport.

Failing to check permissions or transporting passengers without valid travel documents could result in penalties of up to £50,000. To comply, operators must submit Advance Passenger Information (API) or General Aviation Reports (GAR), depending on the operation type, and check the interactive response from the Home Office before boarding passengers. The possible responses include:

• BOARD: Valid permission found, proceed with boarding.
• CHECK: No valid permission on record, manual checks are required.
• NO BOARD: Permission denied, do not board the passenger.
• ERROR: Data issue, requiring correction and resubmission.

What Does This Mean for General Aviation?

These rules do also apply to GA flights and are available for review here. GAR submissions will be required for both departures and arrivals as of April 6, 2024, with fines of up to £10,000 for incorrect submissions. These submissions must be made via an online portal or through a handler / flight support provider, such as HADID. Manual submissions to the UK Border Force will no longer be accepted.

Special Rules for Flight Crew

Operational flight crew do not require an ETA if they arrive and depart as crew within seven days. However, deadheading or positioning crew will require an ETA unless they leave the UK by 23:59 the day after arrival. Additionally, ground crew and engineers who intend to work airside cannot enter as crew and must get a work permit or an exception through UK Border Force.

How Operators Can Prepare

Operators should ensure their API or GAR submission systems are capable of handling ETA checks. Depending on your operation type, you may wish to:

• Use the sGAR web-portal for manual GAR submissions.
• Integrate API data through the UK iAPI system for real-time checks.
• Work with your Flight Support Provider or FBO to handle data submissions.

This transition to digital travel permissions means all operators will need to ensure their systems are compliant to avoid potential penalties.

By staying informed and upgrading your processes, you will be better prepared to comply with the new UK ETA and UPT regulations while avoiding costly penalties.

Staying Ahead of the Curve

As the ETA scheme rolls out, operators should remain proactive in understanding and adapting to the changes. Here are a few steps to consider:

1. Training and Awareness: Ensure that all operational staff are briefed on the new ETA requirements and understand the implications for passenger travel. This includes familiarising themselves with the types of responses they might receive when checking ETA statuses and how to act accordingly.
2. System Integration: Evaluate your current systems for API and GAR submissions. If needed, invest in upgrades or integrate new software solutions that allow for real-time checks against the ETA database. This will streamline the boarding process and help prevent any costly oversights.
3. Communication with Passengers: Make sure passengers are informed about the new ETA requirements prior to their travel. Providing clear guidance on how to apply for an ETA, including timelines and costs, can significantly reduce last-minute complications at the airport.
4. Stay Updated on Regulations: Regularly review official updates from UK border authorities and stay informed about any changes to the ETA rollout timeline or requirements. This will help you adapt quickly and maintain compliance.
5. Leverage Expert Support: Partner with HADID, who possesses the knowledge and resources to facilitate smooth submissions of API and GAR data HADID can help manage these processes effectively and ensure compliance with all new regulations.

Conclusion

The implementation of the Electronic Travel Authorisation and the broader Universal Permission to Travel scheme represents a significant change in the regulatory landscape for travel to and from the UK. As a pilot or operator, understanding these changes is crucial for compliance and operational efficiency. By taking the necessary steps to adapt to these new regulations, you can ensure that your operations remain smooth and that you minimize the risk of penalties associated with non-compliance.

For further information on the UK ETA and UPT contact HADID at ops@hadid.aero. You can also refer to official UK government resources including the following links:

• Apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA).
• Authority to Carry Scheme 2023.
• (Document) Authority to Carry Scheme: Guidance for General Aviation.
• General Aviation Guidance.