U.S. Service Members in the U.K. Excluded from Electronic Travel Authorization Requirement

While those based in continental Europe will have to comply, U.S. service personnel stationed in the United Kingdom are free from a recently instituted British electronic travel authorization (ETA) requirement. The ETA, which takes effect Wednesday, covers guests without U.K. immigration status or short visits requiring a visa. U.S. Army Europe and Africa report that the digital authorization costs £10 (about $12.75) and may take up to three working days to handle.

The website of the British government states that travellers passing through U.K. airports also have to apply. But American military personnel stationed in the United Kingdom or on official orders are exempt from the ETA providing they show a standard access card and travel instructions at border control. Whereas U.S. civilian employees and their dependents must display a no-fee passport with a valid visa, family members of service members must carry a no-fee passport and the sponsor's orders.

Aiming to improve security for nonresident visitors, the British government said the new ETA corresponds with similar border security policies followed by nations including the United States and Australia.

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