U.K. ETA: Why Visiting Haunted Places in Britain Will Cost More

It might turn out that it only adds an insignificant amount to the travel budget, but when I read about the new U.K. Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) scheme in USA Today, I groaned. My first thought was, “Great. Now it’s going to be even more expensive to go there and see all the haunted places on my U.K. Paranormal Wanderlist.”

Not that going to the U.K. was cheap to begin with, especially if the trip involves staying in London at all. Flights there alone account for a significant portion of travel expenses. But then you add in hotels, meals, sightseeing, transportation, and…well, cha-ching!

Champion Traveler compiled an excellent breakdown of what solo, couple, and family travelers can expect to pay on average for a 7-day visit to the U.K. Of course, it also depends on the time of year you go, be it off-season or high-season. But basically, it starts at $1,100 for solo travelers, $1,700 for couples, and $3,400 for families. (But they also broke it down for budget and luxury travelers too. Budget is a little less, but not by much.)

Anyway, you get the idea. Pricey! There’s a reason the U.K. rarely makes “most reasonably priced places to travel” lists.

Traveling is already complicated, and in most cases expensive, enough. Did we really need more costs or red tape?

Well, travelers don’t, but apparently, it’s a way for the U.K. to transform its border and immigration system. And maybe make some extra money in the process? I don’t know.

Since it hasn’t rolled out yet, I also don’t know how much of an inconvenience and an extra cost the U.K. ETA will be. For now, let’s unpack what we do know. And let’s hope maybe I’m getting all hyped up over nothing.

About the U.K. ETA

On Feb. 25, 2022, UK.gov published a policy paper titled, “Nationality and Borders Bill: Electronic Travel Authorisation factsheet.” It details the introduction of the UK’s new universal “permission to travel” requirement and outlines the basics of the new ETA scheme, which are:

• Anyone who wants to visit the UK will need to get permission before they arrive. However, British and Irish citizens are exempt.
• Even people who are “transiting” through the UK will need an ETA. (I’m thinking this means even if you have a layover in London before heading to your final destination you’ll need one, but I haven’t been able to confirm that.)

What’s the point of the U.K. ETA?

It really boils down to two things, as per the policy paper factsheet:

Safety

“The scheme will give the UK more control of our borders, allowing us to block threats from entering the UK, whilst also providing individuals, and carriers, with more assurance at an earlier point in time about their ability to travel to the UK.”

Security

“At present, certain cohorts of people do not require a visa for short stays, or other specified immigration status, before travelling [sic] to the UK. This means that UK border control and law enforcement authorities have less information and time to assess whether a risk is posed in advance of their arrival in the UK.”

U.K. Joins Other Countries with ETAs

As the policy paper factsheet also points out, this isn’t a novel concept. “Similar systems are used by the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand to keep their countries safe and secure.”

Who will need a U.K. ETA?

Just about anyone without a British or Irish citizenship or visa, including European and U.S. residents.

How much will the U.K. ETA cost?

They haven’t announced the cost yet. The U.S.’s equivalent, Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ETSA), costs $21. The U.K. ETA is expected to be priced comparably.

How do you apply for the U.K. ETA?

It’ll be online and shouldn’t take more than a few minutes. (Let’s hope that’s true!)

Will you need an ETA for each trip to the U.K.?

That’s the one good thing. It looks like ETAs will be valid for at least two years, and as many trips as you can legally take in those two years. Because keep in mind the new ETAs don’t replace visas or visa requirements. You’ll still also need to get visas for study or work visits.

What happens to those who don’t get it?

The U.K. has put it on the carriers to ensure travelers have ETAs before boarding. If not, the carriers face fines. And anyone trying to illegally obtain an ETA, by lying about who they are, for instance, faces criminal charges.

Check-In

Have you ever visited any haunted places in the U.K.?