UK travel rule: New passport requires a new ETA authorization

You need a new Electronic Travel Authorisation when you renew your passport. A valid ETA is linked directly to your specific passport number. If your passport expires, your UK travel authorisation becomes invalid immediately. Passengers with old ETAs face border entry refusal at UK airports.

This travel rule affected four French rugby players at Bristol Airport recently. They could not enter the UK because their ETAs used expired passports. AFP reported that the players were stranded on arrival in England.

The UK requirement applies to almost all non-British citizens living in Europe. This includes EU citizens and other foreign residents traveling to Britain. Only UK passport holders, Irish citizens, and UK residents are exempt.

An ETA remains valid for two years under normal conditions. However, changing your passport cancels the existing authorization. You must apply online for a new ETA before traveling to the UK. The Local Denmark reported these details after the Bristol Airport incident.