Well, well.

I recently discovered that the UK has added the United States to its list of countries that require an “ETA,” or electronic travel authorization. You’ll need it even if you simply have connecting flights in the UK.

I find it very odd that I just stumbled upon the information. No one said anything. Not the passport agency, not TSA, not the airlines — all of whom I’ve spoken to or booked with in the last few months. And it starts in January.

O

O

They go to pains to say it’s not a Visa, but having just gone through the process and been approved (you can be denied), it sure felt like a visa. Of course, you have to pay for it. (It was $13.) This is in addition to, and electronically connected to, your passport.

I now have exactly the same information on three connected documents — my passport, TSA pre-check, and the UK ETA, plus my enhanced New York State drivers license. For over $300 in fees this year.

To a degree, I get it. All of these other documents are issued and controlled by the United States. I’m sure the UK wanted something that was under their control. They started the program this year with Qatar, Saudi Arabia and four other Gulf nations.

Now the US and Canada are being added … and that’s all I’ll say about that.

At any rate, if you’re traveling, make sure you do a few Google searches for entry requirements.