RAF Akrotiri

**Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) - Traveller Guide**

**Background**
Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs) are being introduced for visitors to the UK who do not currently need a visa for short stays or do not have a UK immigration status. ETAs are digital permissions to travel.
Non-European visitors can apply for an ETA from 27 November 2024, and will need an ETA to travel from 8 January 2025. European visitors can apply from 5 March 2025, and will need an ETA to travel from 2 April 2025. Gulf Cooperation Council visitors already require an ETA to travel to the UK.
An ETA costs £10 and permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time over two years or until the passport expires, whichever is sooner.

**Eligibility for an ETA**
All visitors, including children, who do not need a visa for short stays or do not have any other UK immigration status will require an ETA to travel to or transit through the UK, even when flying in an MOD provided route. An ETA is not a visa, it simply authorises an individual to travel to the UK.

**Exemptions**
British and Irish citizens do not need an ETA.

Military personnel travelling on a NATO Travel Order are exempt from ETA requirements.  This is duty travel only and does not include travel to-from Cyprus.

Any traveller with legal residency or a UK Visa do not need an ETA.

**Applying for an ETA**
You can find information on who can get an ETA and how to apply before coming to the UK on GOV.UK. The easiest way to apply for an ETA is through the ‘UK ETA app’, downloadable from the Google Play or Apple App Store. If you do not have access to a smartphone, you can apply on GOV.UK.
To apply for an ETA, applicants need to pay a fee, provide contact and passport details, provide a valid photo complying with our rules for digital photos on GOV.UK, and answer a set of questions. Visitors must travel using the same passport they used when they applied for an ETA.

**Passenger Responsibility**
It is the responsibility of the passenger to apply for an ETA and be able to provide evidence of their ETA status if asked.

**Checking ETA at MOD Locations**
Passengers who require an ETA for travel to the UK will be asked to prove their status at Ministry of Defence check-in locations. This includes, but are not limited to, locations in Cyprus, the Falkland Islands, and Ascension Islands.

**Frequently Asked Questions**

*How do people know if they need to obtain a visa instead of an ETA?*
If a person intends to visit the UK for longer than six months, they need to obtain a relevant visa. They may also need a visa for stays of less than six months for purposes other than visit, transit and some business visits. People can check if they need a visa by using the visa checking tool on GOV.UK.

*What happens if someone is not able to obtain an ETA?*
If an applicant’s ETA application is rejected, they will be told the reason and can apply again. If an applicant’s ETA application is refused, they cannot appeal and instead need to apply for a visa if they still wish to seek permission to come to the UK.
For the latest information, sign up to email alerts on GOV.UK: GOV.UK/electronic-travel-authorisation

 

Passports and visas

All passengers must carry a full and valid passport. Passports must have a minimum of 6 months life left to gain entry to Cyprus. The actual expiration date is worked out from the date of issue not from the date of expiry. E.g. if a passport is issued 01 AUG 2020 and expires 01 OCT 2030 the actual expiry date will be 6 months prior to 01 AUG 2030 (01 FEB 2030) NOT 6 months before the stated expiry date. This is due to passports having an absolute maximum of 10 years from the date of issue.

Passports issued in a different name to the flight booking will need the passenger to provide evidence of the name difference. For example a marriage certificate or deed poll certificate.

Operational, exercise and unit moves:

Guidance on travel documentation requirements should be contained within movement directives, instructions or orders.

 

END OF THE UK/EU TRANSITION PERIOD - TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

1.    All passengers arriving into Cyprus (including the Sovereign Base Areas) from 1 January 2021 should be aware that there will be additional document requirements in accordance with 2021DIN03-019:

a.      Military personnel, based in BFC or visiting, will require their MOD90, passport as well as an F Ident 173 (issued by the relevant admin department).

b.      Dependents and civilian staff will require their Passport and status stamp.

c.       If you do not have the relevant documentations, you may face delays at immigration on arrival whilst the immigration officer establishes your right to enter.

d.      Family members and friends who wish to visit should be aware that there are new rules concerning passport validity and length of stay in the EU. Up to date travel advice can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/cyprus.

e.      For status stamp renewals and replacements please contact the Fiscal Office. For new or replacement F Ident 173 forms please contact your unit admin office.

f.        In 2021 the paper status stamp and F Ident were phased out and replaced by a new status card.

 

Passenger reporting

 

RAF AKROTIRI – Check in desks will OPEN 5 hours before flight departure and then CLOSE 3 hours before flight departure.  Failure to check in for your flight within these times could result in you not being boarded.  Allow sufficient travelling time to RAF Akrotiri for any problems that may occur en-route.  Passengers should allow extra time for processing through the main gate security control.  Passengers will need either an ID Card or a Visitors pass in order to access the station. We will not check in passengers unless they report to the Air Terminal in person. This includes family members and children.

What to do if delayed – RAF Akrotiri

Phone the Air Movements Staff as soon as possible if you are delayed to the Air Terminal for any reason: 00357 2527 6599.

All passengers must arrive prior to the flight check closing time published above. You will be refused travel if you fail to check in for your flight by the latest check in time.

 

Early check in – RAF Akrotiri

The additional check-in period will be available for all Passengers from Akrotiri and Episkopi that are travelling on the AKT – BZZ leg of the CATS please see see timings on the Departure timing table.

There will be NO accommodation available on RAF Akrotiri if personnel check-in the night before the flight.

Passengers requiring to drop-off pushchairs, car seats etc can have them weighed with the rest of their baggage the night before and then take them away, if required. They can then be dropped off for loading at the START of the allotted Board Through time the next day.

Weapons will NOT be accepted the night before the Trooper flight. Any passengers that need to check weapons in are to declare this at the time of check-in so it can be added to their overall baggage allowance. Personnel will be required to drop off their weapons the day of the flight and will report to the Air Terminal by the START of the allotted Board Through time to sign their weapons over to the ATLO Staff to be loaded onto the flight.

 

RAF BRIZE NORTON – Check in desks will OPEN 6 hours before flight departure and then CLOSE 3 hours before flight departure. Failure to check in for your flight within these times could result in you not being boarded. Should you be delayed for any reason en-route to the airfield, you should contact the Air Movements Staff as soon as possible. All passengers are encouraged to arrive earlier than the latest check in time allowed, to reduce excessive queuing times.

You should plan sufficient travelling time to the airport allowing for any problems that may occur en-route to ensure that you meet the latest reporting time for check-in.  Passengers departing from RAF Brize Norton should allow extra time for processing through the main gate security control.

Flights timings can change at very short notice due to unforeseen Operational reasons.  Passengers must check their airport of embarkation (APOE) website at least 24 hours prior to beginning their journey.

For further information please check the Passenger Information pages on the RAF Brize Norton or RAF Akrotiri site.  These include information on parking, accommodation, air terminal facilities, hire cars etc.

         RAF Brize Norton Passenger Information

         Military: 95461 5337 Civil: 01993 895337                       

         RAF Akrotiri Passenger Information

         Military:  94120 6538  Civil: 00357 2527 6538

If you have any problems or need to make further enquiries concerning your flight, you should contact your Unit Admin or Travel Cell who requested the booking on your behalf. 

 

Schedule

The usual weekly schedule is:

RAF Brize Norton to Akrotiri - Tuesday and Saturdays.

Akrotiri to RAF Brize Norton - Wednesday and Sundays.

 

Booking Details

Submitting requests

            All booking should be submitted on the relevant booking form, which when filled out correctly provides authority for the booking offices to book your travel.  You as the Traveller and your CoC as Authoriser are responsible for the authenticity of the information provided.  Booking offices may request confirmation of details about your booking, this will be in the form of a written response from your unit HR or CoC to confirm that the details requested are accurate.  You will not be asked to provide copies of documents and should not send copies of documents to the booking offices.

Itinerary Confirmation Number

All passengers should receive a Itinerary Confirmation Number All the information regarding flight itinerary and baggage allowance will be quoted on the PIT (Passenger Itinerary).

Please contact your booking office if you have not been informed of your baggage allowance or latest reporting time (the latest reporting time is the time that check in closes unless advised differently).

 

Travelling children

Child seats

Infants under the age of 2 years can sit in a child seat or on an adult's lap using a seat belt extension provided by the aircraft crew.

Children between the ages of 2 to 3 years can sit in a child seat or directly on the aircraft seat.

All child seats are provided by the passenger. The Terminal does not hold any child seats to loan.

Child seats must fit between the plane seats arm rests (max width 42.5cm) and be securable using the seat lap belt.

Child seats that require a three point harness or a rigid anchorage will not be permitted in the aircraft cabin and must be carried in the hold.

Push chairs

Push chairs must be checked in with other hold baggage. Please make Check In staff aware that you have a push chair.

They can loan you a push chair that can be left at the aircraft steps before departure. Please inform the Movement’s staff if you do this.

Travelling with a child with a different family name

Parents and guardians are required to carry a copy of the birth or adoption certificate as evidence of the relationship.

As per JSP 800 Vol 2

"Differing surnames between parent and child. As per UK Border Force direction and to ensure continued safeguarding of minors, if the authorising parent or guardian's surname differs to that of the child, a copy of either the adoption certificate or birth certificate is also to be carried with the escorted minor"

Without such evidence, the immigration officer may need to talk to the parents or guardians and children, depending on their age, to confirm the relationship.

The GOV.UK website has the latest guidance on getting permission to take a child abroad.

 

Baggage

Personal belongings that include engineering equipment, household goods such as TV’s, desktop PCs and outsized items are not permitted and must be shipped as concessionary freight.

Only Accompanied Air Baggage is permitted. Accompanied Air Baggage is defined as suitcases and bags holding a passenger’s personal belongings limited to items such as clothing, footwear, toiletries, books and personal portable electronic devices such as iPods, hand held game consoles and laptop computers.

A passenger’s personal belongings that include engineering equipment, household goods such as TVs, desktop PCs and outsized items are not permitted and must be shipped as concessionary freight.

Baggage allowances

Your baggage allowance is shown on your booking confirmation. It varies based on the purpose of your travel.

Baggage allowance is limited at 20kgs for concessionary passengers (including sports equipment and bikes).

Hold baggage

Max. weight: 28kgs per bag / item

Must not exceed dimensions: 100cm X 60cm X 45cm

Cabin (hand) baggage

Hand baggage Dimensions are: Max weight 9kgs, Height 56cm, Width 45cm, Depth 20cm due to the overhead storage limitations.

Hand luggage restrictions:

- One item of hand luggage per person, weight limit 9kg.

- Liquids must be in containers no larger than 100ml each, packed in a transparent re-sealable plastic bag. One bag is permitted per person.

- Hand luggage dimensions must not exceed 56cm (L), 45cm (W) and 25cm

- Pushchairs. If you require to travel with a pushchair, please inform the Joint Booking Cell (JBC) during booking.

- Alcohol is forbidden within hand luggage, any alcohol will be confiscated by ATSY at security. Consumption of Alcohol within the Air Terminal is forbidden and will result in the individual being removed from the flight.

- It is forbidden to carry any ‘sharp items’ in your hand luggage. Such items include scissors, knives, nail files etc.  However, these items may be packed in your hold baggage.  Any such item found in hand baggage by the Air Transport Security (ATSy) team, will be confiscated under Security regulations.

Bikes and sports equipment

To enable sports teams and individuals to travel with their equipment conditions apply as detailed in JSP 800, Volume 2, Part 2, Chapter 6, Paragraph 5.

You need prior authorisation to travel with a bike. Authorisation is granted by the Joint Booking Centre at the time of flight booking and added as a remark on your booking confirmation.

If authorisation is granted it will be deducted from your overall baggage allowance / entitlement.

Bikes must be well packed in a bike box or bag as there is no liability for any damage caused.

If space on the flight becomes critical the bike will be offloaded first and the passenger will be responsible for making arrangements for the bike's removal from RAF Akrotiri's Air Terminal.

Baggage Insurance

The MoD is not liable for the cost of insuring baggage and personal effects.  Passengers are strongly advised to obtain their own insurance to cover loss or damage to baggage. Claims in respect of uninsured losses will be considered on an individual basis and limited compensation may be offered, strictly on an ex gratia basis. Such claims should be forwarded on MoD Form 441 or JPA Form 014 (available from the Movements Staff) along with a copy of the ‘Loss / Damage Baggage Form’ to:

Baggage Claims Officer

Business and Finance Office

RAF Brize Norton

Carterton

Oxon    

OX18 3LX

 

Concessionary travel

Service personnel, MOD civil servants, and their immediate family (spouses and dependent children) are entitled to concessionary travel.

Those applying for concessionary travel are reminded that this is offered to entitled passengers on a space available basis. Bookings cannot be guaranteed until all duty passengers have checked in.

Concessionary travel from RAF Akrotiri to RAF Brize Norton is currently €50

Concessionary travel from RAF Brize Norton to RAF Akrotiri is £40

Children under two years old travel for free

Rates can change, so always check the current rate.

Please pay by cash (Euros). Debit/credit card payments are also accepted, but these take longer to process.

Apply for concessionary travel

Complete the online Concessionary Application form on JBC Sharepoint page (only accessible with a MODNET computer).  All Concessionary applications whether Cyprus or UK based must go through this site.

Please follow these points to ensure you correctly complete the form and avoid delays:  

Personnel can only apply for themselves and their dependents

Submit more than one application if the journey and passenger details differ, i.e. two passengers outbound, but only one passenger returning

Ensure you enter a departure and arrival airport

Check you have completed all fields in the form

Enter your Unit address (to confirm the Z code), not your personal / home address

Applications must be authorised by a Warrant Officer or above. Only OF-3 and above can self-authorise

ALL Non BFC Based personnel require an On Island Sponsor who must be cc'd alongside your approver when the form is sent to the booking office.

Amendments or cancellations

Please confirm any changes to an application in writing to this email: [email protected]

What happens next:

Although we accept bookings three months in advance, they are held on file until the flights become available on the booking system. This means that after your application has been received the next time you will hear from the JBC will be to receive your itinerary confirmation.

Please only contact the JBC to chase your booking if you have not received confirmation one weeks before your flight date.

You will only be booked to one flight. Please do not apply for a range of dates.

If you are not called forward for your requested flight and wish to try an alternative date, you will need to email your request to the multiuser - [email protected]

Chances of a successful concessionary travel application

Duty flights are booked up until the date of travel. This makes it impossible to predict the probability of a successful concessionary travel application in advance.

Concessionary travel applicants will receive call forward notification via text on the last working day before travel to confirm if they have been successfully called forward.

Prioritising of concessionary applications

If a flight is busy and a priority list required, it is based purely on the Date of Joining (when the application was submitted) and the Z code (priority category). No other information will affect the priority of your booking. 

Z1/2 - Compassionate, Child Access visit

Z4 - BFC based personnel

Z6 - Sports, Exped/AT

Z7 - UK based personnel

Entitled personnel

Service personnel / MOD civil servants (as defined in JSP 800, Vol 2, Pt 2, Chpt 7, Para 4a) and their immediate family (as defined in JSP 752, 02.0123)

 

Additional Details

 

RAF AKROTIRI

Air Terminal facilities – RAF Akrotiri

These are available for passengers in the Departure Lounges:

Coffee shop selling hot drinks, cold snacks and duty free items

Outside terrace

Toilets

Use of telephone if required in an emergency

Drinks vending machines

Water fountain

Children's play area, soft play area, and TV for kids films.

Baby changing facilities

Comfortable breast feeding area

BFBS TV, PlayStation consoles and games

Book library and quiet area

Free DBI WiFi

Drinking water

You can take water through security in sealable containers.

Passengers are advised to bring their own water to check in as you may be required to queue outside for a short time.

Once you have passed through security, there is free water available in the Departure Lounge.

Alcohol 

Consumption of alcohol prior to arrival at the terminal is prohibited for passengers travelling on duty. Passengers flying concessionary may consume alcohol but will be denied boarding if intoxicated and may face administrative or disciplinary action. No alcohol is to be consumed during the flight and duty free is to reflect the current AKT policy. 

Duty free allowance

Customs guidance is available at  SBA Customs or phone the SBA Customs Office, Akrotiri: 00 357 2527 6762.

 

Parking at RAF Akrotiri

Passengers can park in the Air Terminal's long stay carpark whilst in the UK.

Please fill out a parking ticket at the Terminal office and leave the ticket on your dashboard.

Timings do change for operational reasons and passengers should check the flight schedule (above) 24 hours before travelling and again 5 hours before the scheduled departure.

Passengers who require transport from the Airhead at RAF Akrotiri to their place of work or accommodation need to have make arrangements for their collection before they depart RAF Brize Norton. The MT Section at RAF Akrotiri is not scaled to provide a drop-off service for inbound passengers.

Flight timings can change at short notice due to unforeseen operational reasons. Changes to flight times, significant delays, and cancellations are published above.

 

RAF BRIZE NORTON

RAIL TRAVEL

Passengers from scheduled flights terminating at RAF Brize Norton are to make their own arrangements to proceed to their UK destinations or if travelling as duty may use the RAF coach service as follows:

RAF Brize Norton Air Terminal to Oxford Railway/Bus Station.

RAF Brize Norton Air Terminal to London Heathrow Terminal 1 & 5.

Entitlement to utilise this service is detailed in the table below:

Entitlement to Utilise the provided coach Service from Brize Norton

Heathrow

Oxford Train Station

CAT 1 - MEDEVAC (High Priority)

CAT 2 - Compassionate

CAT 3 - MEDEVAC (2)

CAT 4 - MOD Personnel on Duty

CAT 5 - Duty Sport/AT

CAT 6 - Family Members Duty

CAT 7-  Repayment Travel

CAT 8 - Concessionary passenger - Spare seating capacity if Available Only

NOTE: Proof of onward travel arrangements will need to be provided in order for entitled passengers to obtain a ‘Speedlink’ voucher. BFC personnel travelling as concessionary may use this transport on a fill up basis, but are to liaise with RAF Brize Terminal prior to travel to determine if there is availability.

Serving Military Passengers from scheduled flights terminating at RAF Brize Norton who require transport to London Gatwick Airport are to obtain a speedlink’ voucher from the Movements staff at RAF Brize Norton. Travel to London Heathrow Airport and transfer to the ‘Speedlink’ service.

RAF Brize Norton will no longer operate a pick-up service from railheads or civilian airports to the Air Terminal at RAF Brize Norton. It is now the responsibility of individual units or passengers to arrange their own transport to RAF Brize Norton. Further guidance can be sought through the Brize Norton Transport Manager on 01993 897492 or the Air Terminal on 01993 89 5337.

 

CAR PARKING

HIRE CAR DROP OFF

Passengers arriving in their hire cars are directed from the main road to turn left at the first roundabout. They then enter the hire car zone and stop at the security gate. The driver must then park the car in the parking slot assigned to their hire car company. Passengers should then make their way to the Main Entry Point where a shuttle service to the Air Terminal is available on request from the bus stop adjacent to Reception. 

PRIVATE CAR DROP OFF

Due to the limited amount of parking spaces at RAF Brize Norton personnel are advised to use unit transport, public transport or a hire car.  The Air Terminal has a limited number of parking spaces that can be pre-booked subject to availability. To book a space please see: RAF Brize Norton Passenger Information

You will be notified by email if your application has been successful along with an authorisation that is to be printed off and displayed in the vehicle.

RAF BRIZE NORTON VISITORS

Any passenger that is being dropped off or met by a friend or relative should be aware of the following guidelines. Due to Control of Entry procedures, the Pass Office no longer issue visitor passes to personnel who are dropping off or collecting passengers from the Air Terminal. Passengers are to make their way to the Main Entry Point to meet their onwards transport.

 

Generic Details

 

Dress state

Passengers are allowed to travel in civilian clothing. These are to be smart, clean, in good repair, and of a standard that does not reflect badly upon the MOD. The following items of clothing are not considered suitable for travel by air; beachwear of any kind, high or stiletto heeled footwear, sports vests, untailored or sports shorts or any item bearing offensive slogans. Personnel arriving at an airhead inappropriately dressed will be required to change before checking in.

 

Accommodation

It is the lead passenger’s responsibility to arrange their own accommodation.

 

Expectant Mothers

Expectant mothers will not be allowed to fly as ordinary passengers after the end of the 36th week of pregnancy.  Additionally, after the 28th week of pregnancy she will require a letter from her doctor stating the pregnancy is uncomplicated (in particular that there has been no history of bleeding or any elevated risk of premature labour) and confirming the expected date of delivery. In this letter the doctor should state that the expectant mother is in good health and that (in the doctor’s opinion) there is no reason why she should not fly.  However, expectant mothers wishing to fly at any stage of pregnancy who have had a history of bleeding, premature labour or any other significant event during the pregnancy must have their doctor discuss their fitness to fly with SO2 Aeromed, who is an RAF doctor.

For twin pregnancies, expectant mothers will not be allowed to fly as ordinary passengers after the end of the 32nd week of pregnancy.

New mothers may fly as ordinary passengers after the 3rd day following an uncomplicated delivery, and after the 10th day following an instrumental (i.e. forceps or ventouse) or caesarean delivery.  Although healthy newborn babies should be able to fly safely, it is prudent to wait for one week after delivery before healthy newborn babies should fly as ordinary passengers.  The doctor must seek advice from SO2 Aeromed before babies less than one week old are considered for flight.  Finally, babies with known problems should fly as aeromedical patients.

 

Exemptions

Requests for non-entitled personnel to fly on the CATS are viewed on a case-by-case basis. All requests are to be submitted to the Cyprus Movements Authority Holders as directed by JBC.

 

Laptops, power banks, and electrical products

You will not need to take out electrical products (including laptops and tablets) from your carry-on baggage for security checks.

However, service laptops will need to be removed and presented to the security staff with the appropriate paperwork if requested.

Power banks are only permitted if carried on your person. They cannot be packed in hold baggage for safety reasons, and it must not be more than 100 w/h on the watt hour rating.

 

E-cigarettes and vaping products

E-cigarettes and vaping pens are only permitted if carried on your person. They cannot be packed in hold baggage.

It is forbidden to use e-cigarettes and vaping products on board the aircraft.

 

Firearms and Ammunition

Special authorisation and licenses are required for the import of sporting weapons and or ammunition into Cyprus. Please check with your unit prior to departing for RAF Brize Norton.

 

Life Insurance

Under Government legislation MoD liability towards its passengers is restricted to approximately £75,000.  If you wish to obtain increased cover, you should take out further insurance at your own expense.