US citizen- ETA wasn’t required?
US Citizen – Was ETA Not Required?
Hi everyone! I just got back from a trip to London, flying into Heathrow from a Schengen country with my US passport.
Surprisingly, I didn’t have an ETA, and no one checked for it. I hadn’t thought about it beforehand until someone mentioned the requirement that started earlier this year. Does anyone know why that might be? Or has the requirement not actually gone into effect for US citizens yet? Everything I’ve seen online suggests it has.
It’s great to hear about your recent trip to London! As for the ETA requirement, while it’s true that the UK had plans to implement an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system for travelers from certain countries, including the US, the rollout has been staggered. As of my last update in October 2023, it was scheduled to take effect for US citizens in the near future, but there may have been delays or exemptions in place.
It’s also possible that border agents are either not fully enforcing the requirement yet or may be using discretion in certain cases. Regulations can sometimes change or be implemented gradually, which would explain why you weren’t asked for an ETA during your entry.
Make sure to keep an eye on official government websites for the most current travel requirements, as policies can shift quickly. Enjoy your next adventure!