The UK’s new ETA fee is coming into effect today – here’s everything you need to know

From the new UK entry fee impacting travellers from multiple countries across the world to which passport is officially the most powerful to own in 2025, this week’s Traveller Edit is jam-packed with all the latest travel news, inspiration and more.

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Will I need an ETA to enter the UK?

US visitors and visitors from?Europe,?Australia?and?Canada must apply for permission to enter the UK through a new scheme known as Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which comes into effect from today (Wednesday 8 January 2025).

The UK government is in the process of fully digitising UK borders – and the ETA scheme will play its part, allowing “individuals, and carriers, with more assurance at an earlier point in time about their ability to travel to the UK,” the government said in a previous statement. Visitors must fill out an online application permitting them to travel. A small fee will be included in the application – similar to how the?US's ESTA system works for UK travellers. Find out everything we know so far here.

Ranked: the world’s most powerful passports in 2025

Singapore has reclaimed its title as the world's most powerful passport for 2025. But what does that really mean – and how does yours stack up?

On Wednesday 8 January 2025, the 2025 Henley Passport Index was released, ranking the world's 199 passports. The Henley Passport Index, compiled by consultancy firm Henley & Partners, is the most frequently cited passport ranking and is based on exclusive and official data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). For this list, the primary deciding factor in determining how “powerful” a passport is is how many countries are accessible and visa-free for a nation’s citizens. See the full ranking here.

What the changes to BA's loyalty programme mean for you – and other loyalty programmes we love

In 1982, British Airways launched its Executive Club – which, as well as undergoing various iterations over the years, has amassed some 13 million+ members worldwide.

However, from?Tuesday April 1 2025, it will be renamed The British Airways Club and will be subject to several changes – including a new tier points system based on how much you spend and new ways to earn that have prompted some online discussion. Read the full story here.

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