UK Visitors news, Youtube milestone hit and when my livestream is coming back!
6th December 2024 History Travel Newsletter
Hello Fellow History Lover!
This week:
Electronic Travel Authorisations - what you need to know if you are travelling to the UK.
I hit over 10,000 subscribers on Youtube but what has happened to Tea Time History Chat Live?
History After Dark rounds up the year
Grab the last room on The Anne Boleyn Tour, May 2025
Win a 6-month paid subscription by taking part in my quick survey to help me bring you the history news you want!
Electronic Travel Authorisations
Back in April I shared news of the UK Government’s new ‘Electronic Transfer Authorisation’ scheme which had started to be rolled out. The roll out is almost complete, meaning that by 5th April 2025, all non-UK citizens travelling into the UK will need an ‘ETA.’ From 8th January 2025 permission to travel in advance of coming here will be required for all non-European citizens. The date for European-citizens is 2nd April 2025.
The good news is that obtaining one is cheap and easy.
What is an ETA?
The UK Government have introduced an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme as part of the digitisation of the UK border. An ETA is a digital permission to travel.
Who needs one?
By April 2025 everyone travelling to the UK, who doesn’t need a visa, will need an ETA. Eligible non-European citizens will need one to travel from 8th January 2025, eligible European citizens from 2nd April 2025.
When will I need to get one?
It is vital that you obtain an ETA BEFORE you travel.
How much do they cost?
An ETA costs £10 and permits multiple journeys to the UK over two years or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever is sooner.
Who arranges this for me?
You do. Like any other document which you need to travel, you are responsible for obtaining it and making sure it is in date. If you do not you risk not being allowed to travel.
How do I get an ETA?
For the latest information go direct to the UK Government website - click here (link goes to https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta)
Hitting the 10,000 subscriber milestone on Youtube!
Thank you to everyone who subscibes to my channel ‘British History’ over on Youtube and for engaging in my videos over there. Not already following me on Youtube? - click here.
What has happened to Tea Time History Chat Live?
There are plenty of historian interviews, virtual tours and mini documentaries over on my Youtube but many of you will know that for the past 4 or so years I have also been hosting a weekly livestream. Even when I lost my finger in an accident, this time last year, I continued. I absolutely love doing the livestreams but more surgery this autumn meant I needed to scale back for a limited time. So, although you may have noticed that I have taken a break, I am very happy to reassure you that I will be back livestreaming in the New Year, with a couple of changes. For now, I am keeping the format of the show under wraps but I think you are going to really enjoy it! I’m looking forward to it in a big way.
New Time and Schedule
Join me every other Monday at 6:30pm UK time on Youtube.com/@BritishHistory beginning 6th January 2025!
In the meantime,
There is a library of fantastic videos and interviews to catch up on. Here are some of the most popular ones at the moment, but there are many more for you to see!
History After Dark rounds up the year
Join me, Dr Kat and Catherine next Wednesday evening at 8:15pm with our special guest, the erudite and hilarious, Julian Humphrys.
Last Room Remaining!
The Anne Boleyn Tour 2025, 16th - 20th May 2025
with Historian, Gareth Russell
Win a 6-month paid subscription to this Substack
This quick survey about my publication will help me improve what I bring to you. There are a small number of questions and it should take no longer than 5 minutes :-)
As a thank you I am giving away a 6 month paid subscription to my Substack, drawn on Monday 9th December, from all respondents. I will announce the winner in next week’s newletter and also contact them directly.
Thank you to those of you who have already responded - the feedback is very helpful!
Wishing you a fantastic week!
Philippa