KLM, FlixBus and Eurostar warn UK travellers of new documentation rules

KLM, Flixbus, and Eurostar are notifying their passengers on the new rules related to travel to the United Kingdom that apply from Wednesday. Passengers from within the European Union need a so called Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to travel to England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern-Ireland.

KLM is warning people during booking that they have to register online and repeat that in an e-mail later on, a spokesperson said. “With departure, we check whether the passengers have the right papers with them, according to the entry requirements of the destination."

Train travel provider Eurostar notifies customers of the required travel documents via a “checklist” and with e-mails, via the website, and with the confirmation of the reservation.

Flixbus has informed customers about the ETA and is asking drivers to check whether their passengers have the correct documents before they get on board. “There will certainly be people who do not know it, but then you are better off staying in Amsterdam than in Calais,” said a spokesperson.

Schiphol has said that it is the airline’s responsibility to check passengers for the travel documents, and, therefore, also for the ETA. The airport is notifying passengers via the website and social media of the new rules, a spokesperson said. “It will take some getting used to, and we think it is important to bring it to people’s attention.”

The online registration has been in effect since January for travelers from outside the European Union. An ETA costs 10 pounds, which is around 12 euros, and is valid for two years. The document usually arrives within three work days.

The United Kingdom has implemented this electronic travel permission to improve its surveillance of international travel traffic.