UK Travel Authorization

No more impromptu visits to the UK without a hoop to jump through!

Earlier this year, the UK started requiring travel authorizations for travelers coming from countries that previously had no Visa or similar requirement for entry besides an adequately valid passport.  

Things to know:

• There's a fee.
• The authorization lasts 2 years
• The authorization is tied to your passport number.  The email says you don't need to show any information, but I have read online that some airlines may ask for proof of the authorization.  Thus it's best to print and bring a copy just in case.
• You need a passport-like photo which you can take and submit online yourself.  However, the website bot is very finicky with its requirements.  
• Blank background and good lighting
• Do not smile!
• No hats
• Head to shoulder in the frame, look straight at the camera
• Despite following all of that, the bot on the website bot kept saying my photo did not meet requirements.  In the end, I overrode the bot and voila, my photo was accepted presumably after review by a human!
• The turnaround time for approval is unpredictable.  My application was approved within minutes.  Another member of my travel party didn't get approved until several hours to 1 day later.
• I didn't want to download the app despite it being highly encouraged by the UK government.  I was able to complete everything on the website just fine.