Mauritians transiting in UK no longer need an Electronic Travel Authorization

Passengers transiting airside via London Heathrow Airport will temporarily no longer need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), thus reducing the paperwork and fees. However, the cost of the eTA to enter the UK could soon increase from £10 to £16. This decision is still under discussion in the British Parliament.

Mauritius is directly impacted by this announcement, as it is among the 54 countries whose nationals already need to obtain an electronic travel authorisation to enter the United Kingdom.

The temporary ETA exemption for transit passengers is welcome news for Mauritian travellers who pass through London Heathrow without officially entering the UK. This measure will save them the administrative procedures and fees associated with the ETA when they are only transiting to another destination.

On the other hand, the potential increase in the cost of the ETA is less good news for Mauritians who regularly travel to the UK. If adopted, this increase from £10 to £16 will increase the costs of Mauritian tourists, students and professionals visiting the UK.

The increase in the cost of the ETA is not yet effective. The British government still needs to debate it and obtain the approval of Parliament. No precise date has been announced, but this increase could be implemented as soon as the parliamentary calendar allows it. Note that from April 2, obtaining an ETA before departure will become mandatory for all travelers exempt from a visa to enter the United Kingdom.