LHR · Before you leave the transit area · published · checked
Entering the United Kingdom from an LHR layover
The UK is not in Schengen. ETIAS does not apply. The document that does, for most visa-exempt visitors, is the ETA, and it has to exist before the airline will board you.
British and Irish citizens
No ETA. Travel on a British or Irish passport, including dual citizens. The rest of this page is for everyone else.
Non-visa nationals
From 25 February 2026, carriers will not board non-visa nationals who lack an ETA, an eVisa, or another permission the rules accept. That includes visitors from the United States, Canada, France, and the rest of the non-visa list. An ETA is permission to travel, not a visa, and it does not by itself admit you.
The April 2026 Home Office factsheet described a fee of £20, multiple trips, and a validity of two years or until the passport expires, whichever is sooner. The same note says the fee is kept under review. Confirm the current amount on gov.uk before you pay. Apply through the official UK ETA app or gov.uk. Most people get a decision in minutes. Apply at least three working days ahead anyway. Use the same passport you applied with.
Airside transit is the narrow case
The Home Office says eligible visitors who connect at Heathrow or Manchester without going through UK passport control do not currently need an ETA. The moment the layover means exiting, you need it, or a visa if your nationality needs a visa.
Visa nationals still need a visa. Heathrow does not issue one between flights. Read the transit page on gov.uk for your passport rather than a forum.
Leaving the transit area
If you exit, you are in the United Kingdom. The Tower and the Eye are on that side of the line. Sort the ETA before you celebrate the 15-minute train.