Understanding UK’s New Travel Requirements: Impact on Corporate Housing and Business Travel
Published Jan 10, 2025
Travelers heading to the UK in 2025 are facing a major shift: the introduction of the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system. As a corporate housing or business travel decision-maker, this isn’t just another headline. It’s a call to action that directly impacts how you plan, support, and execute your company’s travel programs.
Here’s why it matters—and how to stay ahead.
What's Changing?
Starting in 2025, travelers from visa-exempt countries—including the United States—will need a UK ETA for entry. This isn’t a complex visa application, but it requires preparation: an online application, biometric data, and approval prior to travel. For companies managing employee travel or relocations, these requirements add a layer of logistics that can’t be ignored.
Why You Need to Care
Your job is already challenging—ensuring employees are comfortable, productive, and stress-free while balancing budgets and compliance. Here’s why these changes should be on your radar:
- Travel Disruptions Are Productivity Disruptions: An employee denied entry due to a missing ETA is more than an inconvenience. It’s a potential delay in project timelines, added costs, and unnecessary stress for your team.
- Increased Complexity for Relocations: Business travel and temporary housing are more intertwined than ever. An unprepared employee arriving at a UK airport could mean last-minute rebooking, added housing expenses, and reputational impact for your department.
- The Fine Line Between Cost-Efficient and Risk-Efficient: Handling visas and ETAs may seem simple, but compliance missteps can snowball into penalties or disruptions. Choosing the right corporate housing provider ensures your employees aren’t just housed but supported throughout their journey.
How National Makes the Difference
Navigating global travel changes is daunting, but it’s why National exists—to make you look good. Here’s how we ensure your teams travel smarter and stay better:
- End-to-End Support: We handle more than housing. Our solutions extend to travel logistics, so your employees are prepared for UK ETA requirements from Day 1.
- Global Expertise: With properties and partnerships worldwide, we anticipate challenges and offer solutions that align with international policies and your company’s values.
- Tailored to Your Needs: Whether it’s last-minute stays or long-term housing, we adapt to your complex, evolving requirements. With National, no problem feels “too big.”
What You Can Do Today
- Start educating employees about the ETA process now.
- Partner with a housing provider that understands international travel complexities.
- Ensure your corporate travel policies reflect these changes, minimizing risk and maximizing employee readiness.
National Corporate Housing is your partner in making the complex simple and the impossible manageable. As the UK reshapes its entry process, trust us to keep your teams informed, compliant, and focused on what matters most—their work. Let us handle the housing (and the headaches).
Ready to rethink your travel and housing strategy? Contact us today.
