As highlighted by Traveltalk, the UK plans to roll out a new electronic travel authorisation (ETA) from February 25. For most Australians, they can apply online, pay the fee ($22) and board their flight.
For Australians who also hold British citizenship, it is a different story. From late February, travelling on the “wrong” passport could mean extra checks at best and a denied boarding at worst, with a bigger bill attached than the ETA – a Certificate of Entitlement costing a massive $1,185.
To support members on the ground, ATIA has now published a dedicated guidance page on its website, bringing together what travel businesses need to know, practical FAQs and official links that can be shared directly with customers.
The guidance will continue to be updated as further information becomes available.
ATIA has worked directly with the UK Home Office, Consular Representatives and VisitBritain and reviewed formal advice from the British High Commission in Canberra to cut through confusion and give members confidence in the guidance they share with travellers.
Ongoing gaps in consumer awareness have placed added pressure on frontline travel teams, with members navigating complex and, at times, uncertain customer conversations.
ATIA acknowledged the care and professionalism shown by members as clarity around the changes continued to emerge.
“ATIA’s role is to be there for our members when issues like this arise, ensuring we have the right conversations at the highest levels and then turning that into clear, practical guidance travel businesses can rely on,” said Dean Long, ATIA CEO.
“We know this situation has created challenges for travel businesses, particularly where traveller awareness has lagged behind policy changes.
“I want to thank our members for the professionalism they’ve shown in managing these conversations and for the care they continue to take in supporting travellers while clarity continues to emerge.”
