UK Grants Transit Fee Exemption at Heathrow

The UK government has temporarily exempted transit passengers at London Heathrow Airport from the £10 Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) requirement, following significant pressure from the aviation industry. Initially, all non-European travelers were required to obtain an ETA, even when merely transiting through the airport, which raised concerns about potential drops in passenger numbers to rival European airports. The Home Office acknowledged the exemption will be kept under review, but it has been welcomed by airport officials and industry leaders who feared losing millions of passengers annually. Heathrow's CEO, Thomas Woldbye, praised the decision as vital for maintaining the airport's competitive edge. The ETA fee is set to increase from £10 to £16 in the near future, impacting travelers who must apply for the authorization before entering the UK. Despite this, the recent U-turn alleviates concerns for those who do not intend to enter the country during transit.