New travel requirement catches Aussie off guard–is your trip at risk?
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Aussie travellers heading to Europe this year could face a potential travel nightmare if they overlook a crucial new requirement.
One young Aussie’s holiday almost took a major turn for the worse when she realised too late that she hadn’t applied for a newly mandated travel permit.
What followed was a panic-filled scramble that almost cost her the trip.
Claudia Giblin and her boyfriend were on their way to the airport for a trip to London in February when they made a stressful discovery.
The couple had forgotten to apply for a crucial travel permit needed to enter the UK, a new requirement that had been rolled out in January.
‘We saw it in an email and panicked in the car,’ Claudia shared.
Previously, Australians didn’t need a travel permit to visit the UK, but this policy change introduced an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system for Aussies.
The couple immediately downloaded the ETA app and tried to secure their permits, which cost around $20 each.
With the approval process typically taking up to three business days, they feared they might miss their flight.
‘We didn’t think we’d make our flight,’ Claudia recalled.
However, luck was on their side, as their ETA came through in just 10 minutes.
‘We were super lucky ours came through in time for our flight, we got it in 10 minutes, but there was definitely a panic,’ she said.
Claudia added that, had she known about the new permit requirement, she would have applied ‘a lot earlier’.
Now, ahead of Europe’s peak travel season, she’s sharing her experience as a warning to other Australians heading abroad.
‘I wouldn’t want it to ruin Australians’ trips to Europe,’ Claudia said.
Source: Tiktok/claudia.giblin
The ETA is now a must-have for Australian travellers heading to the UK, and it’s linked directly to your passport to ensure better security checks before you even board your flight.
This system had previously been required only for visitors from specific Middle Eastern countries, but it expanded to include Australia and several other nations earlier this year.
Failing to apply for the ETA could result in travellers being denied entry.
The UK government has assured that this new system would help streamline the travel process for the millions who visit each year.
To apply for an ETA, travellers need a valid passport, access to their email, and a payment method such as a credit card or Apple Pay.
The application requires a photo of the passport and a recent photo of the applicant but no travel details.
The process typically takes up to three days, though Claudia's experience shows it can be approved much faster.
Once approved, the ETA is valid for two years, and travellers can enter the UK as many times as they wish during that period.
If you get a new passport, you’ll need to apply for a new ETA.
Starting next month, Aussie travellers will also need a similar authorisation to enter the European Union, known as the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).
The ETIAS will cost around $11.50, and once approved, it will be valid for three years or until the passport expires.
In a previous story, we explored how this new travel rule is catching travellers off guard
But that's not all–authorities have also issued warnings about emerging scams linked to it.
Make sure you're fully informed by checking out the details in our latest update.
As travel rules continue to change, how prepared are you for the new entry requirements? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
One young Aussie’s holiday almost took a major turn for the worse when she realised too late that she hadn’t applied for a newly mandated travel permit.
What followed was a panic-filled scramble that almost cost her the trip.
Claudia Giblin and her boyfriend were on their way to the airport for a trip to London in February when they made a stressful discovery.
The couple had forgotten to apply for a crucial travel permit needed to enter the UK, a new requirement that had been rolled out in January.
‘We saw it in an email and panicked in the car,’ Claudia shared.
Previously, Australians didn’t need a travel permit to visit the UK, but this policy change introduced an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system for Aussies.
The couple immediately downloaded the ETA app and tried to secure their permits, which cost around $20 each.
With the approval process typically taking up to three business days, they feared they might miss their flight.
‘We didn’t think we’d make our flight,’ Claudia recalled.
However, luck was on their side, as their ETA came through in just 10 minutes.
‘We were super lucky ours came through in time for our flight, we got it in 10 minutes, but there was definitely a panic,’ she said.
Claudia added that, had she known about the new permit requirement, she would have applied ‘a lot earlier’.
Now, ahead of Europe’s peak travel season, she’s sharing her experience as a warning to other Australians heading abroad.
‘I wouldn’t want it to ruin Australians’ trips to Europe,’ Claudia said.
Source: Tiktok/claudia.giblin
The ETA is now a must-have for Australian travellers heading to the UK, and it’s linked directly to your passport to ensure better security checks before you even board your flight.
This system had previously been required only for visitors from specific Middle Eastern countries, but it expanded to include Australia and several other nations earlier this year.
Failing to apply for the ETA could result in travellers being denied entry.
The UK government has assured that this new system would help streamline the travel process for the millions who visit each year.
To apply for an ETA, travellers need a valid passport, access to their email, and a payment method such as a credit card or Apple Pay.
The application requires a photo of the passport and a recent photo of the applicant but no travel details.
The process typically takes up to three days, though Claudia's experience shows it can be approved much faster.
Once approved, the ETA is valid for two years, and travellers can enter the UK as many times as they wish during that period.
If you get a new passport, you’ll need to apply for a new ETA.
Starting next month, Aussie travellers will also need a similar authorisation to enter the European Union, known as the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).
The ETIAS will cost around $11.50, and once approved, it will be valid for three years or until the passport expires.
In a previous story, we explored how this new travel rule is catching travellers off guard
But that's not all–authorities have also issued warnings about emerging scams linked to it.
Make sure you're fully informed by checking out the details in our latest update.
As travel rules continue to change, how prepared are you for the new entry requirements? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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