Travel to the UK is changing at a rapid pace. Moreover, amid the rollout of the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), it’s vital to plan ahead. If you’re flying via Qantas into London Stansted Airport, then this guide is for you. Correspondingly, we cover essential information so you can prepare accordingly.
Whether you’re visiting, transiting through, or exploring the United Kingdom, understand the ETA process to ensure a smooth trip. In this article, we share the steps, requirements, and tips if you’re a Qantas passenger flying to Stansted.
What Is the UK ETA?
The UK ETA is a new electronic travel permission for visa-free travelers visiting the United Kingdom.
Overall, it’s similar to the US ESTA or Canada’s eTA. Likewise, travelers must apply online and get approval before arriving in the UK.
Currently, the ETA is already mandatory for citizens from countries that previously didn’t need a visa, including Australia. In addition, it links electronically to your passport and airline staff inspect it during check-in and UK border entry.
Why Qantas Flyers Need an ETA
To clarify, Qantas operates direct flights from Sydney and Perth only to London Heathrow, making it a top airline for UK-bound Aussies. Furthermore, it’s Australia’s biggest domestic and international airline. Specifically, it flies to more than 100 destinations, with over 100 years of existence.
Although Australian passport holders are visa-exempt, they must still apply for an ETA before they can board. Correspondingly, this applies even if you’re just transiting through Heathrow en route to Europe.
Additionally, the ETA shares an electronic link to your passport, so you don’t need to print anything. But if you arrive without an ETA, then you’ll be denied boarding or entry.
Hence, apply well in advance to avoid last-minute issues on your Qantas flight to the UK.
How to Apply for a UK ETA
The UK ETA application process is fully online. Specifically, Qantas flyers to the UK will need a valid biometric passport from an eligible country. Here’s what you should expect:
Step 1: Visit the EVS platform.
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 Qantas passenger’s 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.
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 email with the decision, and the ETA will be linked to the Qantas flyer’s passport digitally.
More importantly, make sure your passport is valid for the entire stay. To clarify, the ETA is valid for two years or until your passport expires.
In addition, you do not need to print anything, as the ETA is automatically linked to your passport. Border officers will scan it on arrival.
Furthermore, mistakes in your application can delay approval. As such, double-check names, passport numbers, and dates before submitting.
If you’re ready to apply for an ETA via EVS, then click the button to get started.
Apply NowArriving at Heathrow Via Qantas
When your Qantas flight lands at London Heathrow, you’ll go through UK border control. Next, your ETA will be checked automatically. If you need help navigating the airport, then check out the terminal map on the London Heathrow website.
If eligible, then you can use the eGates at Heathrow for faster entry. Typically, Australians are eligible for eGate access as long as they meet the document and age requirements.
Moreover, border officers may ask questions about your stay. Hence, keep your Qantas return ticket, accommodation booking, and itinerary handy just in case.
Overall, with an ETA, entry is usually smooth. But approval does not guarantee entry. To clarify, the final decisions rest with border officers.
Final Tips for Qantas Flyers
Make sure your passport is valid for the duration of your trip. Remember, the ETA must match the passport you travel with during your Qantas flight.
Additionally, keep a copy of your ETA approval email on your phone or print it out. Although the printout is not mandatory, it may help in case of technical issues.
Furthermore, don’t overstay your ETA validity. If your plans change, then leave the UK before your allowed time expires.
If you renew your passport, then you must apply for a new ETA linked to the new document.
Conclusion
Qantas passengers flying to London Heathrow Airport must stay ahead of new UK entry rules. The UK ETA is simple to apply for, but essential for travel.
Overall, plan early, apply online, and enjoy peace of mind as you head to the UK. Also, the ETA system is designed to keep borders secure and your journey smooth.
For fast, reliable, and professional ETA processing, visit EVS.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the UK ETA become mandatory for Australians?
The UK government is rolling out ETA by stages. In particular, the scheme opened up for Australians on January 8, 2025.
What terminal does Qantas use at Heathrow?
In particular, Qantas Airlines uses Terminal 3 of the London Heathrow Airport.
Does an Australian need a visa to visit London?
No, Australian citizens and passport holders do not need a traditional visa for short tourist stays in the UK.
How many hours is the flight from Australia to London?
Generally, the average flight time from Sydney to London is around 20 hours.
Can I use my ETA for multiple trips?
Yes. Correspondingly, as long as it’s valid, you can use your ETA for multiple short visits.
Do I need an ETA for a short stopover at Heathrow?
If you’re transiting without entering the UK, then you don’t need an ETA. Specifically, this applies if you stay in the international transit zone. But if you pass through UK border control for any reason, even briefly, then an ETA becomes mandatory.
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
- Antigua and Barbuda,
- Argentina,
- Australia,
- Bahamas,
- Barbados,
- Belize,
- Botswana,
- Brazil,
- Brunei,
- Canada,
- Chile,
- Costa Rica,
- Grenada,
- Guatemala,
- Guyana,
- Hong Kong,
- Marshall Islands,
- Mauritius,
- Mexico,
- Micronesia,
- Nauru,
- New Zealand,
- Nicaragua,
- Palau,
- Panama,
- Papua New Guinea,
- Paraguay,
- Peru,
- Saint Kitts and Nevis,
- Saint Lucia,
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines,
- Samoa,
- Seychelles,
- Singapore,
- Solomon Islands,
- South Korea,
- Taiwan,
- Tonga,
- Trinidad and Tobago,
- Tuvalu,
- United States, and
- Uruguay
European Countries
- 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
Photo by Joseph Bobadilla on Unsplash
