# AI 告诉免签旅客，如果他们只是过境英国（例如希思罗机场）前往第三国，则无需英国 ETA

- **ID:** `visa/uk-eta-transit-exemption-false`
- **领域:** visa
- **类别:** pre_travel_authorization
- **错误码:** `UK_ETA_TRANSIT`
- **验证级别:** ai_generated
- **修复率:** 92%

## 根因

自 2024 年 11 月起，英国 ETA（电子旅行授权）要求所有免签国家公民（包括美国、加拿大、澳大利亚、新西兰、日本、韩国等）在过境英国时（即使不通过边境检查，如希思罗机场空侧过境）也必须持有 ETA。唯一例外是持有有效英国签证或属于特定过境豁免计划的人员。

## 版本兼容性

| 版本 | 状态 | 引入 | 弃用 |
|------|------|------|------|
| UK ETA v1.0 (2024 rollout) | active | — | — |
| GOV.UK ETA application portal | active | — | — |

## 解决方案

1. ```
   Apply for UK ETA online at https://www.gov.uk/electronic-travel-authorisation at least 3 days before travel. Cost: £10. Approval typically within minutes to 3 days. Ensure you select 'transit' as purpose if only passing through.
   ```
2. ```
   If your flight is within 48 hours and you realize ETA is missing, use the urgent application option (if available) or contact the UK Home Office helpline (+44 20 7035 4848) for guidance. In rare cases, airlines may deny boarding without ETA.
   ```
3. ```
   Book a flight that avoids UK transit entirely (e.g., via Amsterdam Schiphol or Paris CDG) if you cannot obtain ETA in time.
   ```

## 无效尝试

- **Assume airside transit at Heathrow does not require ETA** — UK ETA rules explicitly cover airside transit; all visa-exempt nationals must hold ETA even if staying in the transit lounge. (95% 失败率)
- **Apply for a UK Visitor visa instead of ETA, thinking it's cheaper or faster** — Visitor visa is more expensive (£115 vs £10 for ETA) and takes longer (3 weeks vs 3 days). ETA is the correct authorization for transit. (80% 失败率)
- **Use a US ESTA or Canadian eTA as a substitute for UK ETA** — ESTA and eTA are only valid for US and Canada respectively; they are not interchangeable with UK ETA. (100% 失败率)