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Is American Express widely accepted in the UK?

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April 13, 2023

By Kristy Tolley

American Express in the UK

American Express, also known as Amex, is a multinational financial services corporation based in the United States. It is one of the most popular credit card providers in the world. American Express has been operating in the UK since 1856 and is widely accepted in the country. However, its acceptance rate varies depending on the merchant and location.

American Express Acceptance in the UK: Overview

American Express is widely accepted in the UK, but not as widely as other credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard. According to a survey conducted by Consumer Intelligence, in 2021, American Express was accepted by 54% of UK merchants. This is a significant increase from 2017, where only 36% of UK merchants accepted American Express. However, the acceptance rate is still lower than other credit cards. Visa, for example, is accepted by 97% of UK merchants, while Mastercard is accepted by 95%.

Major UK Merchants That Accept American Express

Major UK merchants such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Boots, and John Lewis accept American Express. These merchants also offer rewards and cashback on American Express purchases. Other major merchants that accept American Express include Amazon, Apple, and Uber.

Popular Places That Do Not Accept American Express

Some popular places that do not accept American Express include petrol stations, small independent retailers, and some restaurants. This is because American Express charges higher merchant fees compared to other credit cards. However, the acceptance rate is increasing, and more merchants are now accepting American Express.

Regional Differences in Acceptance of Amex

The acceptance rate of American Express varies depending on the region in the UK. In London, for example, American Express is more widely accepted compared to other regions. This is because there are more high-end merchants in London that cater to American Express cardholders.

How to Check if a Merchant Accepts American Express

Customers can check if a merchant accepts American Express by looking for the American Express logo or by asking the merchant directly. Customers can also check the American Express app or website to find merchants that accept American Express.

Tips for Using American Express in the UK

Customers can maximize their American Express rewards and cashback by using their card at major merchants that accept American Express. Customers should also use their card for purchases that offer rewards and cashback, such as travel and dining. It is also advisable to inform the merchant that you are using an American Express card to avoid any payment issues.

Benefits of Using American Express in the UK

American Express offers a range of benefits to its cardholders in the UK, such as rewards and cashback on purchases, travel insurance, and airport lounge access. American Express also offers excellent customer service and fraud protection to its cardholders.

Alternatives to American Express in the UK

Some alternatives to American Express in the UK include Visa, Mastercard, and Discover. These credit cards offer similar rewards and cashback programs to American Express.

American Express Card Options for UK Residents

American Express offers a range of card options to UK residents, including the American Express Platinum Card, the American Express Gold Card, and the American Express British Airways Card. These cards offer different rewards and benefits to cater to different needs.

Comparison of American Express Acceptance in the UK vs US

American Express is more widely accepted in the US compared to the UK. According to the same Consumer Intelligence survey, American Express is accepted by 77% of US merchants. This is because American Express has a higher market share in the US compared to the UK.

Conclusion: Using American Express in the UK

American Express is widely accepted in the UK, but not as widely as other credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard. Customers can maximize their rewards and cashback by using their card at major merchants that accept American Express. American Express also offers a range of benefits to its cardholders in the UK, such as rewards and cashback on purchases, travel insurance, and airport lounge access. However, customers should also consider other credit card options in the UK that offer similar rewards and benefits.

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Kristy Tolley

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British Airways American Express® Cards

We offer a range of Credit Cards in conjunction with American Express. Find a Card that’s right for you below.

There's a little holiday in the things you buy

60,000 avios. 175+ destinations. 1 card..

For a limited time, get double the usual Welcome Bonus on a BA Amex ® Premium Plus Card. Enough to get a Reward Flight to over 175 destinations from just £1. Twice the Avios. Twice the adventure. 

Apply through the link below before 8 October and spend £6,000 in your first three months. Exclusive to Executive Club members.

Rep 139.9% APR Var.

New Cardmembers only. Annual fee applies. Terms apply. 18+ UK residents only, subject to status.

Not ready to apply just yet?

We can send the details of our personal British Airways American Express ® Cards straight to your email inbox so they’re ready when you are. 

British Airways American Express® Credit Card

Representative 31.0% APR variable. No annual fee. Assumed £1,200 credit limit with 31.0% per annum variable purchase rate. T&Cs apply.

• Welcome bonus : Get 5,000 bonus Avios when you spend £2,000 in the first 3 months of Cardmembership. New Cardmembers only¹
• Earn rate : Collect 1 Avios for every £1 spent on purchases¹
• Rewards:  Get a Companion Voucher when you spend £12,000 each membership year which is now more flexible than ever. From 1 November you will need to spend £15,000 within each membership year to earn a Companion Voucher. T&Cs apply.

Executive Club members can get an increased Welcome Bonus of 5,000 7,000 Avios when you login & apply through our exclusive offer page below by 8 October.

Companion Voucher

Companion Vouchers are even more valuable and flexible than ever and can now be enjoyed with a companion or solo. Get a Companion Voucher when you spend £12,000 each membership year on the Card, which you can use to either take a companion with you in economy only on  the same flight or, if travelling solo, get a 50% discount on the Avios price when you book a British Airways, Aer Lingus or Iberia Reward Flight. Taxes, fees and carrier charges apply per person 4 . 

*From 1 November you will need to spend £15,000 within each anniversary year to earn a Companion Voucher. For example, if your next anniversary date is 1 Feb 2025 you would need to either spend £12,000 by 31 October 2024 or spend £15,000 by 31 January 2025 to earn your Companion Voucher for this membership year.

Ways you can redeem your Companion Voucher 

Travel with a companion : The British Airways American Express Credit Card Companion Voucher entitles you to receive a second economy class seat for a companion travelling on the same flight as you for no additional Avios when you make a Reward Flight booking on a British Airways, Aer Lingus or Iberia flight 4 .  

Choose to fly solo : You can use your Companion Voucher as a solo adult travelling on a Reward Flight booking in Euro Traveller or World Traveller (Economy) or other economy cabins and receive a 50% discount on the Avios price for the flight. 

More Avios Pricing Options : Whether you’re planning on travelling with a companion or flying solo, you can access all Avios and Money and Reward Flight Saver (RFS) options, meaning your trip could cost as little as £1 in cash 6

Travel benefits

From Travel Accident insurance cover to preferential travel arrangements, we’ll help you along the way*:

• Global Assist® provides help when you travel outside of the UK, in your own language, 24/7  7 .
• Travel accident insurance protects you for up to £75,000 on public transport when you buy your ticket on your Card 7 .

*When enrolled in No Additional Charge Insurance

Eligibility

To save you time before applying for your British Airways American Express Credit Card, it's worth making sure you can say yes to all the following:

• I am aged 18 or over
• I have a current UK bank or building society account
• I have a permanent UK home address
• I have no history of bad debt
• And if self–employed, I have been working for more than one year
• I understand I will not be eligible for any Welcome Bonus award if I hold or have held any personal American Express ®  Cards in the past 24 months.

If you've said yes to all of these, then step this way. Your application could take less than 10 minutes and we may be able to give you a response in less than 60 seconds.

British Airways American Express® Premium Plus Card

Representative 139.9% APR variable. £300 annual fee. Assumed £1,200 credit limit with 31.0% per annum variable purchase rate. T&Cs apply.

• Welcome bonus:  Get 30,000 bonus Avios when you spend £6,000 in the first 3 months of Cardmembership. New Cardmembers only. 2
• Earn rate:  Collect 1.5 Avios for every £1 spent on purchases 2
• Rewards: Get a Companion Voucher when you spend £10,000 each membership year which is now more flexible than ever. From 1 November you will need to spend £15,000 within each membership year to earn a Companion Voucher. T&Cs apply.
• Go further: Collect 3 Avios for every £1 spent on British Airways flights and holidays 2

Executive Club members can get double the usual Welcome Bonus of 30,000 60,000 Avios when you login & apply through our exclusive offer page below by 8 October.

Companion Vouchers are even more valuable and flexible than ever and can now be enjoyed with a companion or solo. Get a Companion Voucher when you spend £10,000 each membership year on the Card, which you can use to either take a companion with you in the same flight and cabin or, if travelling solo, get a 50% discount on the Avios price when you book a British Airways, Aer Lingus or Iberia flight. British Airways American Express ®  Premium Plus Cardmembers will have access to additional British Airways Reward Flight seats within business (Club World) when booking with a Companion Voucher, subject to availability. Taxes, fees and carrier charges apply per person 5

*From 1 November you will need to spend £15,000 within each anniversary year to earn a Companion Voucher. For example, if your next anniversary date is 1 Feb 2025 you would need to either spend £10,000 by 31 October 2024 or spend £15,000 by 31 January 2025 to earn your Companion Voucher for this membership year.

Travel with a companion:  The British Airways American Express ®  Premium Plus Companion Voucher entitles you to receive a second seat for a companion travelling on the same flight as you for no additional Avios when you make a Reward Flight booking on a British Airways, Aer Lingus or Iberia flight.

Choose to fly solo:  You can use your Companion Voucher as a solo adult travelling on a Reward Flight booking in any cabin and receive a 50% discount on the Avios price for the flight. 

More Avios Pricing Options:  Whether you’re planning on travelling with a companion or flying solo, you can access all Avios and Money and Reward Flight Saver (RFS) options, meaning your trip could cost as little as £1 in cash 6 . 

Enhanced availability in Club World:  Cardmembers who have earned a Premium Plus Companion Voucher can access tens of thousands of extra Reward seats in Club World (long haul Business Class) when booking a Reward Flight with their Companion Voucher. So whether you're choosing to treat yourself or take a lucky companion with you, you'll be travelling in style. 

Enjoy our travel protection benefits when you travel with us*:

• Global Assist® provides help when you travel outside of the UK, in your own language, 24/7 7 .
• Travel accident insurance protects you for up to £250,000 on public transport when you buy your ticket on your Card 6 .
• Travel inconvenience insurance covers flight cancellations, delays and delayed luggage when you pay with your Card. exclusions that may apply 7 .
• £200 for flight delay, overbooking or missed connection.
• £750 for baggage delayed by airline for 6 hours.
• An additional £1,000 for extended baggage delay by airline.

To save you time before applying for your British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card, it's worth making sure you can say yes to all the following:

• I understand I will not be eligible for any Welcome Bonus award if I hold or have held any personal British Airways American Express Cards in the past 24 months.

British Airways American Express® Accelerating Business Card

Representative 108.4% APR variable. £250 annual fee. Assumed £1,200 credit limit with 28.5% per annum variable purhase rate. T&Cs apply.

• Welcome bonus: Collect 30,000 bonus Avios when you spend £5,000 in your first three months of Cardmembership 1
• Earn rate: Collect 1.5 Avios for every £20,000 spent, up to 3 times a year 3
• Rewards: Receive an extra 10,000 Avios for every £20,000 spent, up to 3 times a year 3
• On Business: Earn 2 On Business Points for every eligible £1 spent with on qualified British Airways flights purchased with your Card 4

Reward your business every calendar year

With a tiered Avios annual bonus, for every £20,000 spent on the Card, you will receive 10,000 bonus Avios, up to 3 times each year. From everyday business expenses to larger supplier items you'll earn Avios in line with your business spend. With three individual tiers, your rewards balance evolves with your business. Your Avios Annual Bonus resets on 1 January each year, helping you to keep track of your rewards and maximise Cardmembers’ bonus earning potential.

Flexible cashflow management 

Your Credit Card gives you access up to 56 calendar days without interest payment terms (when you pay your balance in full) or the choice to pay your balance over time with interest 5 .

Double On Business Points

Exclusively with this Card, earn 2 On Business Points for every £1 spent with British Airways, This is in addition to your everyday Avios and annual bonus. Change, cancel or upgrade your flight booking up to 24 hours before departure of your first flight at no extra charge 6 .

To save you time before applying for your British Airways American Express® Accelerating Business Card, it's worth making sure you can say yes to all the following:

• The business has a current UK Bank or Building Society account
• You/The business have/has no County Court Judgements for non-payment of debt
• You are aged 18 or over
• You have a permanent UK home address
• You will pay the annual Cardmembership fee of £250 7

To access the On Business benefits, your company must not be a travel agency, ticket brokerage firm or consolidator AND your company does not have an existing corporate incentive agreement with British Airways, Iberia or American Airlines. When enrolling into the On Business programme through this British Airways American Express® Accelerating Business Card application progress, there is no requirement for your business to be VAT registered. (Visit  ba.com/onbusiness  for more information).

A Companion Voucher makes your Avios go further

You can get away for fewer Avios than you might think with a British Airways American Express Companion Voucher.

Use your Companion Voucher to either take someone with you on your Reward Flight for no additional Avios or reduce the amount Avios needed for a Reward Flight by 50% as a solo traveller. 

How would you use yours?

10,000 avios.

Enjoy the freedom of a solo getaway to one of 25 exciting European destinations for only 9,250 Avios + £1 return. 

20,000 Avios

Escape the everyday with a continental city break for two. Return flights to Europe for two people start at just 18,500 Avios + £2.

50,000 Avios

Jet off with that special someone to see the bright lights of New York or Dubai for just 50,000 Avios + £200 all in.

*Applies to off-peak return Reward Flight Saver flights paid in full with Avios.

Service like no other

Enjoy refund protection on all eligible items you buy using your Card in the UK.

We cover items up to 90 days and will replace or refund items up to a maximum of £200 on the British Airways American Express® Credit Card and £300 on the Premium Plus Card and the Accelerating Business Card, even if the retailer won’t.

Collect up to 90,000 Avios by inviting your friends

You can collect up to 90,000 Avios per calendar year when you refer friends to take out a personal BA Amex Card and as soon as they’re approved. We’ll also welcome them with bonus Avios too. Terms apply. See link for full details. 

Pay off your purchases with Instalment Plans

With Plan It from American Express, you can spread the cost of your purchases on your BA Amex Card into instalments over 3, 6 or 12 months. Subject to eligibility. Minimum transaction amount of £100.

Find out more

Collecting avios, spending avios, buying avios.

Updates to the Companion Voucher

From 1 November 2024, the required spend to qualify for a Companion Voucher will increase from £10,000 (British Airways American Express® Premium Plus Card) or £12,000 (British Airways American Express® Credit Card) to £15,000 within a membership year. This change will be relevant to the Amex Cardmembership year applicable on 1 November 2024 and thereafter.

Until 31 October 2024, existing Cardmembers can obtain their Companion Voucher by reaching the current spend target of £12,000 (Credit Card) or £10,000 (Premium Plus). From 1 November 2024, Cardmembers will need to reach the new £15,000 target, regardless of which Card type is held, before their membership year ends to earn their Companion Voucher. Purchases already made in the current membership year count towards the new target. 

• Terms, taxes, fees and carrier charges apply per person. For the Credit Card Terms and Conditions apply. Introductory offers are not available if you currently hold or have held any personal American Express Card product in the past 24 months. Applicants must be UK residents aged 18 years old or over and are subject to approval. For the Credit Card, 5,000 bonus Avios will be awarded onto your Account once you have been approved and you have spent and charged a minimum of £2,000 on goods and services to the Account within three months of Account opening. For the Credit Card, you will be awarded 1 Avios for every £1 spent and charged per transaction. Avios are not earned on Balance Transfers, Cash Withdrawals, American Express Travellers Cheques purchases, Foreign Exchange, interest, any spending in excess of your credit limit, charges for returned payments, late payment or referral charges and American Express Credit Card finance charges. Written details available on request. Please note, it can take up to one month for the bonus Avios to be awarded to your Account once you have met the required spend. New Cardmembers only. Please note this offer is subject to change.​
• Terms, taxes, fees and carrier changes apply per person. For the Premium Plus Card Terms and Conditions apply. Introductory offers are not available if you currently hold or have held any personal British Airways American Express Card product in the past 24 months. Applicants must be UK residents aged 18 years old or over and are subject to approval. For the Premium Plus Card, 30,000 bonus Avios will be awarded onto your Account once you have been approved and you have spent and charged a minimum of £6,000 on goods and services to the Account within three months of Account opening. For the Premium Plus Card, you will be awarded 1.5 Avios for every £1 spent and charged per transaction. Avios are not earned on Balance Transfers, Cash Withdrawals, American Express Travellers Cheques purchases, Foreign Exchange, interest, any spending in excess of your credit limit, charges for returned payments, late payment or referral charges and American Express Credit Card finance charges. Written details available on request. Please note, it can take up to one month for the bonus Avios to be awarded to your Account once you have met the required spend. New Cardmembers only. Please note this offer is subject to change.​
• Supplementary Cards allow you to share the benefits of your American Express Card with others close to you. You will be the main Cardmember and will be liable for all charges made on the Supplementary Card(s). Additional Cardmembers must be 18 years or over. Written details available on request.
• BA American Express Credit Card Terms and Conditions apply to Avios redemptions. Reward Flights and Companion Voucher bookings are subject to availability and taxes, fees and carrier charges apply per person. Companion Vouchers can only be used when redeeming Avios for a British Airways Reward Flight seat in economy only, paid with Avios. Detailed information on Companion Vouchers  can be found here  or by calling 0344 493 0750 (calls charged at local rate). Companion Vouchers earned from 1 September 2021 can be used on bookings departing from outside of the UK as well as allowing the Companion Voucher holder to benefit from a 50% reduction in Avios when making a Reward flight booking with their Companion Voucher as a solo traveller. Only vouchers earned after 1 September 2021 can be used on Iberia and Aer Lingus. Visit here for full  Companion Voucher Terms and Conditions .
• BA American Express Premium Plus Card Terms and Conditions apply to Avios redemptions. Reward Flights and Companion Voucher bookings are subject to availability and taxes, fees and carrier charges apply per person. Companion Vouchers can only be used when redeeming Avios for a British Airways Reward Flight seat in any cabin, paid with Avios. Detailed information on Companion Vouchers  can be found here  or by calling 0344 493 0750 (calls charged at local rate). Companion Vouchers earned from 1 September 2021 can be used on bookings departing from outside of the UK, as well as allowing the Companion Voucher holder to benefit from a 50% reduction in Avios when making a Reward Flight booking with their Companion Voucher as a solo traveller. Access to Reward Flight seats within Club World (business class) is available for British Airways Premium Plus Companion Vouchers earned from 1 September 2021. Only vouchers earned after 1 September 2021 can be used on Iberia and Aer Lingus. Visit here for full  Companion Voucher Terms and Conditions . 
• Reward Flights are available to any Executive Club Members with an Avios balance. In addition to your Avios, the only cash amount required for  Reward Flights is to cover the taxes, fees and carrier charges. Reward Flights are subject to availability. To find out more about Reward Flights and/or Reward Flight Saver  visit here .
• Terms and Conditions apply to the British Airways American Express credit card insurance. Please see the Insurance  Terms and Conditions . Please read this to understand the limits and exclusions that may apply. Terms and Conditions apply to the British Airways American Express  Premium Plus Card insurance. Please see the insurance  Terms and Conditions  for full details. Please read this to understand the limits and exclusions that may apply. 

Applicants must be 18 years old or over. Approval subject to status and Terms and Conditions apply.

The information relating to the financial benefits and services of the Card is the responsibility of American Express Services Europe Limited and British Airways accepts no responsibility for inaccuracies.

British Airways Plc registered in England and Wales company no.1777777 of Waterside, PO Box 365, Harmondsworth, West Drayton, Middlesex UB7 0GB, is an introducer appointed representative, for insurance mediation activities only, of American Express Insurance Services Europe Limited.

American Express Services Europe Limited has its registered office at Belgrave House, 76 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 9AX, United Kingdom. It is registered in England and Wales with Company Number 1833139 and authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

1. The 30,000 bonus Avios will be awarded once you have been approved and you have spent and charged a minimum of £5,000 on goods and services to the Account within three months of Account opening. If you have held a British Airways American Express® Accelerating Business Card or any other American Express® Business Card within the last 12 months, you will not be eligible for the Avios Welcome Bonus. Interest, fees (including default fees), balance transfers, cash advances (including transactions treated as cash), loading of prepaid cards, American Express Travellers Cheque purchases or foreign exchange transactions and any amounts that are subsequently re-credited to your Card Account by way of refunds or other types of credit, are not eligible towards the bonus. Your Account must be in good standing at the time of earning the bonus. All introductory offers are subject to change and can be withdrawn at any time. Please note, it can take up to one month for the bonus Avios to be awarded to your Account once you have met the required spend. 

2. Avios for Accelerating Business Card: You will be awarded 1.5 Avios for every eligible £1 spent and charged per transaction. Avios are not earned on interest, fees (including default fees), balance transfers, cash advances (including transactions treated as cash), loading of prepaid cards, American Express Travellers Cheque purchases or foreign exchange transactions; and any amounts that are subsequently re-credited to your Card Account by way of refunds or other types of credit. Please refer to full benefit terms and conditions associated with your Card Account for all eligibility criteria. Avios are issued and redeemed subject to British Airways Executive Club  terms and conditions  and will be reflected on your British Airways Executive Club account.

3. Accelerating Business Card Annual Bonus: You will be awarded 10,000 bonus Avios (Avios Annual Bonus) once you have spent and charged £20,000 on purchases on your Card, up to three times each calendar year. Interest, fees (including default fees), balance transfers, cash advances (including transactions treated as cash), loading of prepaid cards, American Express Travellers Cheque purchases or foreign exchange transactions and any amounts that are subsequently re-credited to your Card Account by way of refunds or other types of credit, are not eligible towards the bonus. Your Account must be in good standing at the time of earning the bonus. Please note, it can take up to one month for the bonus Avios to be awarded to your Account once you have met the required spend.

4. On Business Accelerator: Your Company will earn Two (2) On Business Points for every eligible £1 spent on qualifying flights directly with British Airways on the Card. For illustrative purposes, One (1) On Business Point comprises the additional earn for purchasing a qualifying flight with this Card Account (the Amex Accelerator), the other On Business Point is your base On Business Point earn. Please refer to full benefit terms and conditions associated with your Card Account for all benefit eligibility criteria. On Business Points are issued and redeemed subject to On Business Programme terms and conditions.

5. Cashflow for Accelerating Business Card: The maximum amount of time for interest free payment on purchases is 56 calendar days and is obtained only if you spend on the first day of the new statement period and repay the balance in full on the due date. If you only make a minimum payment every month, then interest rates will apply, and it will take you longer to pay off your balance.

6. On Business: Find out more about the On Business Programme, the booking process, and terms and conditions on  ba.com/onbusiness . Flights can be redeemed on British Airways, Iberia and American Airlines; cabin upgrades can be redeemed on British Airways and Iberia flights. On Business flights and cabin upgrades are subject to applicable taxes, fees, carrier charges and surcharges.

7. Annual Fee: BA Accelerating Business Card: An annual Cardmembership fee of £250 will apply for each membership year. We'll charge it for each year starting on the date of your first statement and then every year after that on the same date.

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Travellers from 'most countries' will have to pay expanded UK border fee

The electronic travel authorisation (eta) system was introduced last year for people entering or transiting through the uk without legal residence or a visa.

A system that sees visitors from certain countries to the UK pay a £10 fee is to be expanded to include many more territories. Until now, only a handful of states were involved with the scheme.

However, from November, a £10 fee will be levied on most travellers visiting the UK without a visa, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has announced. The Tory government had previously rolled out the electronic travel authorisation (ETA) system in November last year for certain Gulf countries.

ETAs are currently required for nationals of Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Jordan.

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Now, apart from Europeans, this requirement will extend to all other nations by November, with compulsory entry stipulations kicking in from January 8, 2025. European nationals will face the new travel protocol from March 2025, and it will become mandatory for them starting April 2, 2025, reports Wales Online .

Laying out plans before the Commons, Ms Cooper said: "Once fully rolled out, the ETA scheme will close the current gap in advance permissions and mean that for the first time, we will have a comprehensive understanding of those travelling to the UK."

The scheme has been criticised by some. In August, a spokesperson for Heathrow Airport said: “While Heathrow continues to attract new routes and record passenger numbers, the latest data following the introduction of the ETA shows that Heathrow has lost 90,000 transfer passengers on routes operating to and from the seven countries included in the scheme, since its introduction in 2023.

“This is devastating for our hub competitiveness. We urge Government to review the inclusion of airside transit passengers. Every little bit of extra competitiveness that Government can deliver for aviation will help deliver vital growth for the whole of the UK economy.”

Related articles

• EU to impose hard border on Gibraltar with bitter Brexit move
• EU country to introduce tougher border controls after 'ISIS migrant' attack
• Gibraltar deal with UK on brink as Spain warns talks at 'irreversible point'

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Starting in 2025, Most Foreigners Will Pay $13 To Cross the U.K.’s Borders — Even in Transit

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The u.k.’s new $13 entrance fee, final thoughts.

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The U.K. government is clamping down on its borders.

By April 2, 2025 , almost all international visitors, including those just transiting through the U.K., will have to be pre-approved for travel . According to the U.K. Government’s website, the move is being introduced to “prevent abuse of [the U.K.’s] immigration system.”

Here are the details you need to know.

Similar to what foreign citizens are required to do when traveling to the U.S., the U.K. has been slowly rolling out a system whereby an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or eVisa is required to enter to the island nation.

Nationals from countries — such as Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the U.A.E — already need to apply for the ETA.

However, from April 2, 2025, this will apply to all international visitors except Irish nationals , who are permitted to travel freely between the U.K. and Ireland.

“Everyone wishing to travel to the UK — except British and Irish citizens — will need permission to travel in advance of coming here. This can be either through an Electronic Travel Authorisation or an eVisa,” said the U.K. government in a statement.

The cost of the ETA is £10 (roughly $13) , which is a couple of dollars cheaper than what the U.S. Department of Homeland Security charges travelers to the U.S. for an ESTA — the name of its similar system.

Once travel has been approved, the ETA is valid for multiple entries for a period of 2 years — or the expiry date of the traveler’s passport, if that comes sooner.

It’s also worth pointing out that new border control procedures are coming for the European Union , though the requirement for travel authorization shouldn’t apply to U.S. citizens until 2026.

If all this talk of the U.K. has got you considering a trip before the fees come in, our guide on the best way to fly to London using points and miles might come in useful.

The U.K. will be the only nation in Europe to charge such a fee even for transiting passengers. That’s right, you’ll need this ETA even if you’re only transiting the U.K. while flying from the U.S. to another country.

In turn, this could deter travelers from the U.S from choosing to fly U.K. carriers like British Airways or Virgin Atlantic , opting instead to fly with alternative carriers such as Air France via Paris (CDG) or Lufthansa via Frankfurt (FRA) or Munich (MUC).

Some would even consider this move as potentially causing serious damange to airport and airline finances in the U.K.

“Taxing transit is tantamount to failure,” Paul Charles, director of the PC Agency told The Independent . “If other airports offer free transit then they will pick up market share.”

Even if takes some getting used to, the introduction of an electronic visa system is nothing out of the ordinary. What remains to be seen is the impact this could have on transiting passengers.

We’ll keep you updated should there be more changes in the coming months.

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A potential Air Canada pilot strike could impact your travel. Here's what to do about it

Airline could begin suspending operations as soon as this weekend.

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With a potential pilot strike looming, Air Canada is preparing to suspend its operations in a shutdown that could impact tens of thousands of passengers.

Canada's largest airline and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), which represents more than 5,000 Air Canada pilots, are negotiating over the union's wage demands. Air Canada pilots are seeking compensation in line with what their U.S. counterparts make.

"What the airline can do is to diminish the impact on the travellers and that's what Air Canada is trying to do now," said Frederic Dimanche, a professor at Toronto Metropolitan University and the director of the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management.

Air Canada strike could leave passengers scrambling

He said that giving travellers an opportunity to reschedule their flight or offering them credits — as Air Canada is doing — is "the very minimum" the airline can do.

"I think it's important for people to be aware that a strike is potentially coming and that they need to make some arrangements."

Here's how a potential strike could impact your travel plans, and what you can do about it.

What to know about a potential strike

A strike or lockout can't take place before the 21-day cooling period that began on Aug. 27, after the pilot union voted overwhelmingly in favour of authorizing a strike.

While Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flights would be impacted by a potential strike, Air Canada Express (which includes the Jazz and PAL carriers), are not involved in the negotiations. Their flights will continue to operate normally.

A spokesperson for Air Canada also confirmed to CBC News that flights operated by one of its airline partners (e.g. Lufthansa) wouldn't be impacted by a disruption.

Sunday, Sept. 15: Air Canada could start suspending its operations.

Sept. 15-18: If an agreement isn't reached, the airline or the union will likely issue a 72-hour strike notice or lockout notice, triggering a three-day wind-down plan. 

Both Air Canada and its low-cost subsidiary Air Canada Rouge will prepare to suspend flights over the course of three days, starting on Sunday.

If a traveller's flight is cancelled once a strike or lockout notice is issued, Air Canada will notify the passenger, who will be eligible for a full refund. The airline said passengers customers will "typically" get 12 to 24 hours' notice of a cancellation during the wind-down phase.

But they won't be entitled to any additional compensation under the Airline Passenger Protection Regulations.

Wednesday, Sept. 18: Following the three-day wind-down, a total shutdown of Air Canada's operations would start at 12:01 a.m. on this day. 

After Sept. 18: Once a complete shutdown has occurred, Air Canada anticipates it will take seven to 10 days for normal operations to resume.

Making changes to your booking

Customers who booked a ticket or redeemed points for an Aeroplan flight reward on Sept. 9 or earlier — for travel scheduled between Sept. 15 and 23 — can make changes to their bookings now for free, according to Air Canada's goodwill policy.

You can rebook your flight with an Air Canada carrier (including Rouge and Express) to another date between Sept. 9 and 14, and/or between Sept. 24 and Nov. 30, 2024.

If you booked your travel through a third-party service, the airline is advising passengers to contact the travel agent or company directly.

Possible Air Canada pilot strike will disproportionately affect travellers, former COO says

If you cancel your flight.

Customers who choose to cancel their flights will get a full refund if they purchased a refundable fare. A cancellation fee could apply depending on the type of ticket purchased.

If you bought your ticket using Aeroplan points, you can cancel and have your points redeposited into your account.

If you bought a non-refundable ticket, you can get a one-time credit for future travel the next time you book with Air Canada, but there is an expiry date attached to the credit and it's non-transferable.

The airline will notify you if your flight gets cancelled, and you'll be eligible for a full refund regardless of the fare you purchased. No cancellation fees will apply.

The airline will also try to rebook you on a different flight, though it cautions that space is limited.

• Air Canada could begin suspending flights soon as strike deadline nears

CBC News asked Air Canada whether passengers who are stranded abroad during a strike would be eligible for additional compensation or accommodations if their flight home were to be cancelled. In response, the airline said that would be considered on a case-by-case basis.

"It will be case dependent as different countries and jurisdictions have different regulations about such things, but our policy is to abide by all applicable laws," read an email.

The Air Canada website notes: "If you are contacted by someone claiming to represent Air Canada offering to change your booking, please be aware we will never ask for your booking reference or locator number, as we already have that information."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jenna Benchetrit is the senior business writer for CBC News. She writes stories about Canadian economic and consumer issues, and has also recently covered U.S. politics. A Montrealer based in Toronto, Jenna holds a master's degree in journalism from Toronto Metropolitan University. You can reach her at [email protected].

With files from Anis Heydari, James Dunne, Reuters and The Canadian Press

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