Transit Through the UK with UK ETA
What to know about the ETA if you are connecting through a UK airport
When You Need an ETA to Transit
The United Kingdom is a major global aviation and maritime hub connecting travelers to destinations across Europe, Africa, Asia, the Americas, and beyond. If your journey takes you through a UK airport on the way to another country, you need an ETA if you will pass through UK border control and your nationality is on the ETA list. Your airline can confirm whether your route takes you through border control.
The same rule applies at London Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Edinburgh and other UK airports. Your ETA is digital and linked to your passport. It does not guarantee entry.
UK's Premier International Transit Hubs
Access world-class aviation and maritime facilities with seamless connections to global destinations
A major international connecting hub. Heathrow is a major hub for connecting international journeys.
UK's second-largest airport with extensive European and intercontinental routes. Gatwick offers modern facilities, efficient transit processing, and connections to major destinations across continents.
Major regional hub serving North England with global connections. Manchester provides excellent transit facilities and connections to European, Middle Eastern, and Asian destinations.
Major cruise ship and ferry ports including Southampton and Dover. These maritime hubs connect UK to European and global destinations with efficient transit services.
Edinburgh, Glasgow, Belfast, Bristol, and Liverpool airports offer valuable transit connections to European and international destinations with convenient routing options.
UK's strategic position provides connections to North America, Asia, Middle East, Africa, and Australasia. Transit through UK offers convenient global routing options.
Why Choose UK for Transit Connections?
UK offers strategic positioning, world-class facilities, and efficient transit processing
UK airports and ports are strategically positioned connecting Europe, Africa, Asia, Americas, and Australasia. Convenient routing options minimize travel time and provide efficient connections to your final destination worldwide.
UK transit facilities feature modern infrastructure, efficient customs processing, premium lounges, dining options, and shopping. Transit through UK offers comfortable facilities and smooth processing experiences.
If your route takes you through UK border control, an immigration officer decides whether you may enter, even with an ETA. If you stay airside, check with your airline whether anything is required.
The ETA application is completed online, and processing takes 12-36 hours (Express) or 3 working days (Regular).
Transit Through UK: Complete Guide
Step-by-step instructions for smooth transit connections
Apply for UK ETA 1-2 Weeks Before Travel
Submit your UK ETA application online with the passport you will travel with. Most applications are processed within 12-36 hours (Express) or 3 working days (Regular). Applying 1-2 weeks in advance leaves time before your departure date.
Receive Digital Confirmation
Your UK ETA is electronically linked to your passport. You will receive a confirmation email once processing is complete. No printing is required, as your ETA is digital.
Check In for Your Connecting Flight
Check in as usual. Your airline can confirm whether your route takes you through UK border control. Your ETA is already linked to your passport.
Arrive at UK Airport/Port
On arrival, follow the signs for your route. If you pass through UK border control, an immigration officer will check your travel permission. An ETA does not guarantee entry.
Continue Your Journey
Continue to your onward flight. If you will stay in the UK for longer, an ETA covers visits of up to 6 months for permitted purposes such as tourism or visiting family and friends.
Board Your Onward Flight
Proceed to your gate and board your onward flight to your final destination.
Transit FAQ
You need an ETA if you pass through UK border control at a UK airport on the way to another country and your nationality is on the ETA list. Your airline can confirm whether your route takes you through border control. Other nationalities should check whether they need a transit visa.
If you pass through border control with an ETA, you are admitted as a visitor, so you may be able to leave the airport. An immigration officer decides whether you may enter, and an ETA does not guarantee entry.
Your UK ETA is valid for 2 years, allowing unlimited transit passages. Use it for multiple connecting journeys through UK airports and ports without reapplying during the 2-year validity period.
Your ETA remains valid for 2 years, or until your passport expires if that is sooner.
Yes, you can have connecting tickets from different airlines. Check each airline's requirements at check-in.
GOV.UK's transit guidance refers to UK airports. If you will travel through a UK port, check with your carrier whether an ETA is needed.
Simplify Your Transit Connections
Apply for your UK ETA and choose Express (12-36 hours) or Regular (3 working days) processing.