Flying to the UK is not the same as before. Now, visitors must face new guidelines before boarding a KLM flight, with the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) in place.
Specifically, the ETA is a digital permit that allows entry into the country. Correspondingly, carriers such sa KLM must check the permit first before they can allow passengers to board the aircraft. Should travelers ignore this requirement, they could potentially miss their flight.
As the saying goes, “Preparation is cheaper than disruption.” Now, more than ever, this belief rings truer with the UK’s new border system.
What Is the UK ETA?
The UK ETA is a digital entry clearance for short-term visitors. In particular, it applies to travelers who previously entered the UK visa-free.
It usually lasts two years or until the linked passport expires. In addition, travelers can stay up to six months per visit.
Unlike a visa, the ETA is fast and fully digital and links directly to your passport. But it does not guarantee entry, as border officers still make the final call.
From April 2025, most non-European and European visitors will already need it. Meanwhile, Irish citizens remain exempt.
Think of it as “a ticket to the door, not a key to the house.”
How KLM Is Affected
KLM has a legal duty to check ETAs before flying passengers to the UK. Correspondingly, airlines face fines for boarding travelers without the correct documents.
That means your journey starts with compliance. Note that KLM staff will verify ETA status during check-in and at the gate.
According to KLM’s own travel documents page, decisions can take up to three working days. As such, don’t leave the application to the last minute.
Simultaneously, carriers worldwide also follow the same rulebook. But with KLM’s extensive UK routes, compliance pressure is high.
How to Apply for a UK ETA
In summary, the UK ETA application is simple and entirely online. Correspondingly, here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Visit the EVS platform. Notably, it simplifies the ETA application process so you can avoid going through complex visa processes.
At EVS, your personal and travel information remains safe and secure with its strict data protection regulations. Moreover, it provides you with expert guidance and seamless support to ensure a stress-free application journey.
Step 2: Upload a passport photo. It must have a plain, light-colored background without any shadows or objects behind you.
Step 3: Upload a scan or photo of your passport information page. Ensure the full passport photo page is inside the frame, including the two lines of numbers and letters at the bottom. Additionally, the passport must be valid for at least six months upon entering and exiting the UK.
Step 4: Provide your personal information:
- Contact details
- Home address
- Employment information
- Citizenship information
- Criminal history, if any
Overall, make sure that the information you provide matches what is on your passport.
Step 5: Review and confirm the information on your application. In particular, you can pay using suitable electronic payment methods such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, a credit card, or a debit card.
Step 6: Pay the application fee.
Step 7: Receive your UK ETA. Next, you will receive an email with the decision. The authorization will be linked to your passport digitally.
Once approved, the ETA is valid for multiple visits over a two-year period, or until your passport expires. Because mistakes can delay approval, make sure to triple-check all entries before you submit.
Ready to get started with your application? Then click the button below to obtain your ETA.
Boarding with KLM
Once approved, the ETA links electronically to your passport. KLM can confirm your status instantly when you check in.
Passengers may not need to show extra proof. Still, it helps to keep your confirmation email or reference number.
If your ETA is pending or rejected, then KLM must deny boarding. Furthermore, the airline cannot make exceptions.
Travelers transiting through the UK may also need an ETA, depending on whether they pass border control. As such, always confirm requirements with KLM before departure.
As KLM reminds passengers: “No ETA, no boarding.”
Arrival at the UK Border
At the border, UK officers will scan your passport and verify the ETA. Overall, the process often takes seconds.
But approval does not mean automatic entry. Hence, officers may still ask about your visit, funds, or return plans.
Also, the ETA only authorizes travel, with border officers deciding admission.
Think of it this way: “The ETA opens the door, but the officer lets you in.”
Common Issues Travelers Face
Travelers often face problems not with the ETA itself but with timing and details. Here are some of the most common things to avoid:
- Applying too close to departure.
- Using a passport different from the one in the ETA application.
- Forgetting that children also need ETAs.
- Attempting to travel with an expired passport.
- Misunderstanding transit rules.
Each of these can lead to boarding refusal. And with KLM enforcing checks strictly, errors can cost both time and money.
Tips for Smooth Travel with KLM
Follow these tips to avoid disruption:
- Apply for your ETA at least a week before travel.
- Double-check passport details match exactly.
- Keep your ETA email or reference handy.
- Verify travel rules with KLM’s TravelDoc tool.
- Stay updated through official UK and KLM channels.
Preparation makes flying smoother. As one frequent flyer put it: “I applied early and forgot about it. Best decision I made.”
Conclusion
The UK ETA is now part of modern travel. Specifically, for KLM passengers, it’s as vital as a boarding pass.
As such, apply early, check details, and travel stress-free. Airlines enforce rules without exception, so don’t gamble with compliance.
The UK wants safer, smoother borders, while KLM wants reliable operations, and travelers want hassle-free journeys. Overall, the ETA ties it all together.
For reliable and professional EVS processing, visit EVS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all KLM passengers need a UK ETA?
No. Only travelers from countries covered by the ETA scheme. Irish citizens and those with UK visas are exempt.
What if I renew my passport?
You must apply for a new ETA linked to your new passport.
What if my application is refused?
If authorities reject your application, then you may need to apply for a visa instead. Hence, always check official advice for next steps.
Can I apply at the airport?
No. Specifically, ETA requires online applications before travel. As such, approval may take minutes or days.
Which countries are eligible for the travel authorization?
In particular, business travelers from the following countries can apply for an ETA:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Australia
- The Bahamas
- Bahrain
- Barbados
- Belize
- Botswana
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Canada
- Chile
- Costa Rica
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Guyana
- Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (including British National Overseas)
- Israel
- Japan
- Kiribati
- Kuwait
- Macao Special Administrative Region
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Marshall Islands
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Federated States of Micronesia
- Nauru
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua
- Oman
- Palau
- Panama
- Papua New Guinea
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Qatar
- Samoa
- Saudi Arabia
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Solomon Islands
- South Korea
- St. Kitts and Nevis
- St. Lucia
- St. Vincent and the Grenadines
- Taiwan
- Toga
- Tuvalu
- United Arab Emirates
- United States
- Uruguay
Meanwhile, applications have opened for European travelers visiting the UK on or after April 2, 2025:
- Andorra
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- San Marino
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Vatican City
In addition, this also covers eligible dual citizens.
Are there non-EU European countries that need a UK ETA?
Yes. Specifically, these include Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland, and the Vatican City.
Do I need an ETA if I’m transiting?
Earlier, in January 2025, the UK temporarily suspended the requirement for transit passengers.
Hence, if you’re transiting without entering the UK, then you don’t need the authorization. Specifically, this applies if you stay in the international transit zone. If you pass through UK border control for any reason, even briefly, then the authorization becomes mandatory.
Photo by David Syphers on Unsplash
