Beginning 8 January 2025, non-European visa-exempt travelers to the United Kingdom (UK) must have an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).
This new digital permit requirement for those who travel to the UK without a visa is designed to enhance border security.
While the new rule has added a layer of preparation, business travel to the UK should continue to thrive.
Corporate Traveller, Australia’s leading corporate travel management company, reveals the UK as Australia’s second-largest business travel destination in 2024, second only to Singapore.
The company expects it to continue to attract companies looking to expand their global reach.
However, travelers are cautioned about scams targeting ETA applicants, emphasizing the necessity of planning ahead and remaining vigilant.
Growing business travel to the UK
In 2024, the UK solidified its position as a key destination for business travelers.
The country has hosted meetings, trade discussions, and conferences in finance, technology, healthcare, and government sectors.
The UK’s status as an international economic hub ensures that demand for travel remains strong, even as entry requirements evolve.
Corporate Traveller’s data showed business bookings to the UK rose 5 percent between July and September 2024 compared to the previous year.
In 2024, the finance and insurance industries made one in five bookings to the UK.
IT, government, and healthcare industries also prioritize face-to-face meetings to build partnerships, boost sales, and manage teams.
Tom Walley, Corporate Traveller’s Global Managing Director, described the resilience of Australia-UK travel.
“Our booking data shows companies are prioritizing in-person meetings and business expansion opportunities in the UK,” he told Travel Daily Media.
Walley’s remarks underscore the value businesses place on personal connections in fostering trust and collaboration.
Competitive airfares have also encouraged Australians to travel to the UK.
In 2024, average economy fares from Australia to the UK dropped by AUD $200 compared to the previous year.
Airlines like Singapore Airlines and Etihad offer competitive prices, making long-haul trips more affordable for businesses and individuals.
The company’s data also shows that Australian businesses have been taking slightly shorter but more frequent international trips.
ETA and its impact on travel
The UK ETA is required for short-term visits to the UK of up to six months for leisure, permitted business activities, short-term study, and transit.
Costing £10 (about AUD $20), it allows multiple entries over two years or until the traveler’s passport expires.
Applications are completed on the UK government website or via the UK ETA app, with most decisions processed within three working days.
For those accustomed to visa-free entry to the UK, like the Australians, the ETA introduces a new planning step.
However, industry leaders see it as a manageable change through proper preparation.
“The new UK ETA changes the landscape of visa-free travel and requires more forward planning from travelers,” Walley said.
He is confident it will not deter Australian business travelers as long as proper awareness and preparation are in place.
Walley also expects frequent travelers to adapt to the change as well and quickly as they did with the ESTA of the United States.
The ESTA, or Electronic System for Travel Authorization, is the US’s digital travel permit system, which the UK ETA system was modeled after
The European Union (EU) will launch its European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) in 2025.
“I urge businesses that organize their own travel to stay informed about changing entry requirements for their 2025 travel destinations.
Business travelers are advised to apply well before their departure date to the UK to avoid complications.
Traveling to the UK without an ETA could result in being denied boarding or entry at the UK border.
Travelers warned about UK ETA scams
As the ETA system rolls out, scammers have taken advantage of the change by creating fraudulent websites that mimic official channels.
These sites often charge exorbitant fees or steal sensitive information from applicants.
Australian television personality Sami Lukis encountered a website charging $150 for a UK ETA, much higher than the official fee of £10.
Lukis noted that she would have paid the exorbitant fee if she had not seen it in the news, which shows how easily travelers fall for these scams.
Experts recommend that travelers remain cautious to prevent them from falling victim to UK ETA-related scams.
Travelers should follow these tips:
- Apply via official channels: Visit the UK government’s official website or the UK ETA app. Verify that the URL ends with gov.uk.
- Avoid sponsored links: Scammers often use paid advertisements to appear at the top of search engine results. Stick to trusted sources.
- Check for security features: Before entering personal details, ensure the website has HTTPS encryption and a legitimate domain name. This is especially crucial if you are using third-party services.
- Be skeptical of unusually high fees: The UK ETA costs £10. While it is legal for third-party services to apply for an ETA on someone’s behalf, any website charging significantly higher than the official fee is likely fraudulent.
- Report suspicious activity: If you suspect a scam, report it to local authorities or the UK Home Office.
By taking these precautions, travelers can avoid unnecessary stress and ensure a smooth application process.
What to expect when traveling for business on an ETA
While the ETA adds a step to travel preparation, it also offers several benefits for the UK government and travelers.
By pre-screening travelers, the system enhances border security and speeds up entry processes at UK airports.
For travelers, this means shorter lines and less hassle upon arrival at the UK border.
Business travelers can maximize the ETA’s multi-entry feature to visit the UK as often as needed in two years without reapplying.
For frequent travelers, this is a convenient option that simplifies travel planning in the long term.
Along with the robust demand for business travel to the UK, the benefits of the UK ETA are expected to grow.
By applying early and staying vigilant against scams, travelers can navigate the new system without disruption.
However, the rise in scams targeting ETA applicants underscores the importance of vigilance.
As the system becomes familiar, the ETA will likely integrate smoothly into travel routines.