Originally Posted by
plunet
I think it's true to say that only the airline is CURRENTLY checking the ETA and enforcing it (other than possibly cruise ships).
UK Border Force and eGates will no doubt start to enforce ETA checks in due course, and they no doubt can see if an ETA has been applied for and/or approved.
Right, I forgot to add "for the time being".
When it does start being checked at actual immigration, if you are ambivalent about entering the UK on a transit, I guess it may still be possible to apply on the spot (and then you wouldn't even have to lie to avoid the DCC charge
)