What Lufthansa, American Airlines, and More Say About ETA

The UK’s new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is rapidly changing how travelers prepare for their trips. If you’ve got an upcoming flight to the United Kingdom, then you must understand all about the ETA. Correspondingly, this holds if you’re flying via major airlines like American Airlines, Lufthansa, Air Canada, or Air France. Overall, each of these carriers have started sharing advice to passengers to help them enter the UK smoothly.

In this guide, we discuss what the ETA is, how it works, and what airlines are saying about it. Whether you’re planning a holiday in London or going on a business trip, take note of this information for a smooth journey.

What Is the UK ETA?

The UK ETA is a new digital entry requirement for visa-exempt travelers. It’s for visitors from visa-exempt countries, including the US, Canada, and the EU. Think of it as the UK’s version of the U.S. ESTA or Canada’s eTA.

Travelers, such as those flying via Lufthansa or Air France, must apply online before arriving in the UK. It includes submitting personal details, travel plans, and paying a small fee. Once approved, your ETA is valid for multiple short visits over two years.

Currently, the ETA rollout is in phases. As of 2025, citizens from visa-free countries, including the U.S. and Canada, already need one. In time, more nationalities will potentially be added in future updates.

Overall, the UK government recommends applying before booking your trip. Specifically, airlines like Lufthansa are stepping up to help passengers stay informed and compliant.

What Lufthansa, Others Say

American Airlines

American Airlines has updated its travel advisory pages to reflect ETA requirements. As such, travelers flying from the US to the UK should check these updates regularly.

In particular, the airline recommends applying for the ETA well in advance. Correspondingly, airline staff may deny boarding at the gate for passengers without proper travel clearance. Hence, the carrier urges travelers to keep a digital and printout copy of their approval.

By being proactive, American Airlines aims to prevent travel delays and ensure a smooth arrival in the UK.

Lufthansa

German airline Lufthansa has included ETA information in its “Entry Regulations” section.

Specifically, the airline summarizes reminders for travelers who need an ETA. In addition, the German carrier alerts travelers via email and app notifications as ETA requirements apply.

During online check-in, Lufthansa may also prompt passengers to confirm ETA status. Correspondingly, failure to comply could lead to denied boarding.

Additionally, Lufthansa has trained its customer support team to answer basic ETA questions. Although they won’t complete applications for travelers, they will help guide them to trusted sources.

Overall, the Lufthansa’s priority is keeping international travel stress-free and fully compliant.

Air Canada

Canadian flagship carrier Air Canada highlights the ETA requirement on its “Travel News and Updates” page. In particular, the airline advises all UK-bound travelers to verify if an ETA is necessary before departure.

Additionally, Air Canada’s mobile app sends alerts when an ETA is required. Specifically, passengers can use the app to track documents, passports, and travel notifications.

Also, the carrier encourages frequent flyers to update their profiles and document details. Correspondingly, this helps the airline provide tailored updates as ETA policies evolve. In addition, Air Canada suggests applying for the ETA at least 72 hours before flying.

The airline’s travel checklist now includes ETA status alongside passport and visa checks.

Air France

French carrier Air France is informing passengers about the UK ETA through email campaigns and booking confirmation pages. Specifically, flyers heading to London or Manchester will see ETA reminders in their pre-travel emails.
Although Air France doesn’t process ETAs themselves, they can help flag deadlines and eligibility.

Meanwhile, for business travelers, Air France advises applying early to avoid delays. In particular, weekend or last-minute trips can lead to tight turnarounds without an approved ETA.

On the other hand, it encourages leisure travelers to treat ETA approval like any visa. Without it, Air France won’t let them board the plane.

What Travelers Should Do

Don’t wait until check-in to worry about your ETA. Correspondingly, follow these steps to stay ahead of the curve:

1. Check eligibility. Find out if your nationality requires a UK ETA.
2. Apply early. Give yourself at least three to five days before your departure date.
3. Keep a copy. Save a screenshot or printout of your ETA approval.
4. Update airline profiles. Some airlines send alerts based on your booking and document info.

By taking these simple steps, you’ll avoid airport issues and breeze through to your UK destination.

How to Apply for a UK ETA

If you do need to apply for an ETA, then applying for it is fast and simple, as reminded by Lufthansa and other major carriers. Overall, the process is fully online and takes just a few minutes.

Step 1: Visit the EVS platform.

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.

Specifically, 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 pass-port 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.

Generally, you can pay using suitable electronic payment methods.

Step 6: Pay the application fee.

Step 7: Receive your UK ETA.

Next, you will receive an e-mail with the decision and the ETA will be linked to your passport digitally.

Once approved, your ETA is valid for multiple visits over a two-year period—or until your passport ex-pires.

Even if you’re not visiting the UK for tourism or business, you still need an ETA if your travel involves entry.

Ready to get started with your application? Then click the button below to obtain your ETA.

Apply Now

Conclusion

Currently, as the UK moves forward with its ETA program, airlines are stepping up to help travelers adjust. Correspondingly, whether you’re flying with American Airlines, Lufthansa, Air Canada, or Air France, you’ll find tailored support at every step.

As such, keep an eye on official updates, follow your airline’s guidance, and apply for your ETA in advance. Overall, with the right prep, you can focus on enjoying your UK trip—not stressing about travel documents.

If you’re looking for professional, reliable ETA support, then apply via EVS.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the nationalities that can already apply for an ETA?

As of April 2025, the following nationalities can start applying for the ETA:

Non-European countries

1. Antigua and Barbuda,
2. Argentina,
3. Australia,
4. Bahamas,
5. Barbados,
6. Belize,
7. Botswana,
8. Brazil,
9. Brunei,
10. Canada,
11. Chile,
12. Costa Rica,
13. Grenada,
14. Guatemala,
15. Guyana,
16. Hong Kong,
17. Marshall Islands,
18. Mauritius,
19. Mexico,
20. Micronesia,
21. Nauru,
22. New Zealand,
23. Nicaragua,
24. Palau,
25. Panama,
26. Papua New Guinea,
27. Paraguay,
28. Peru,
29. Saint Kitts and Nevis,
30. Saint Lucia,
31. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines,
32. Samoa,
33. Seychelles,
34. Singapore,
35. Solomon Islands,
36. South Korea,
37. Taiwan,
38. Tonga,
39. Trinidad and Tobago,
40. Tuvalu,
41. United States, and
42. Uruguay

European Countries

1. Andorra
2. Austria
3. Belgium
4. Bulgaria
5. Croatia
6. Cyprus
7. Czechia
8. Denmark
9. Estonia
10. Finland
11. France
12. Germany
13. Greece
14. Hungary
15. Iceland
16. Italy
17. Latvia
18. Liechtenstein
19. Lithuania
20. Luxembourg
21. Malta
22. Monaco
23. Netherlands
24. Norway
25. Poland
26. Portugal
27. Romania
28. San Marino
29. Slovakia
30. Slovenia
31. Spain
32. Sweden
33. Switzerland
34. Vatican City

Can I apply for someone else?

Yes, you can submit applications for family members or others. But you must have their details and consent.

Does having a UK ETA guarantee entry?

No. Generally, the final decision will be up to UK border officers. Although the ETA allows you to travel, it doesn’t guarantee admission.

Do children need a UK ETA?

Yes. Overall, every traveler, regardless of age, needs their own ETA.

I’m not staying in the UK. Do I still need an ETA?

If you pass through UK border control—even during a layover—then you need an ETA. However, if you do not need to leave the international transit zone, then an ETA is not mandatory.

What if my flight is delayed and I have to leave the airport?

If your flight is delayed and you need to leave the airport, then you’ll need an ETA to enter the UK.

Can I get a UK ETA with a DUI?

Possibly. Although a single DUI without jail time may not necessarily result in rejection, declare it honestly and apply early.

Photo by Ross Sokolovski on Unsplash