Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Required for US Citizens Visiting the UK
Since April 2, 2025, the UK has implemented a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system. This affects US citizens ๐บ๐ธ and travelers from several other visa-exempt countries who previously didnโt need a visa to enter the UK. Under the new rules, US nationals must apply for an ETA before visiting the UK for short stays.
What does this mean for travelers?
Until recently, many travelersโincluding US citizensโcould visit the United Kingdom without needing a visa or any formal pre-travel approval. However, as part of the UKโs evolving border and immigration policies following Brexit, the British government has introduced a new system designed to enhance security and streamline entry procedures.
Starting from April 2025, US travelers are now required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before entering the UK for short stays, such as tourism, business, or transit. This new requirement aligns with similar systems already in place in other countries, like the ESTA for entry into the United States.
The ETA process involves a simple online application, a ยฃ59 fee, and a basic security screening. While itโs not a visa, the ETA is a mandatory permission that must be secured before departure. Planning a trip to the UK? Make sure youโve completed your ETA application in advance to avoid any disruptions at the border.
Is ETA Required for My Trip to the UK?
Yes, US citizens now need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) to visit the United Kingdom. If you’re planning to travel to the UK for Tourism, Business, Study, or Transit, you must apply for an ETA before your trip.
The ETA is a mandatory entry requirement for nationals of visa-exempt countries, including the United States. While it’s not a visa, it is an official travel authorization that must be obtained online prior to departure. Without an approved ETA, you may be denied boarding or entry into the UK.
How Does ETA Work?
- Online Application: Travelers will need to submit an application online before traveling. The process will include filling out a form, answering security questions, and paying a ยฃ59ย fee.
- Processing Time: Most ETA requests will be processed within 8 to 72 hours.
- Security Check: A security check may be conducted, and in some cases, applications may take longer to process.
Who is required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the United Kingdom?
ETA will be required for citizens from visa-exempt countries, including:
๐ฆ๐ฉ Andorra โข ๐ฆ๐ฌ Antigua and Barbuda โข ๐ฆ๐ท Argentina โข ๐ฆ๐บ Australia โข ๐ฆ๐น Austria โข ๐ง๐ธ The Bahamas โข ๐ง๐ญ Bahrain โข ๐ง๐ง Barbados โข ๐ง๐ช Belgium โข ๐ง๐ฟ Belize โข ๐ง๐ผ Botswana โข ๐ง๐ท Brazil โข ๐ง๐ณ Brunei โข ๐ง๐ฌ Bulgaria โข ๐จ๐ฆ Canada โข ๐จ๐ฑ Chile โข ๐จ๐ท Costa Rica โข ๐ญ๐ท Croatia โข ๐จ๐พ Cyprus โข ๐จ๐ฟ Czechia โข ๐ฉ๐ฐ Denmark โข ๐ช๐ช Estonia โข ๐ซ๐ฎ Finland โข ๐ซ๐ท France โข ๐ฉ๐ช Germany โข ๐ฌ๐ท Greece โข ๐ฌ๐ฉ Grenada โข ๐ฌ๐น Guatemala โข ๐ฌ๐พ Guyana โข ๐ญ๐ฐ Hong Kong โข ๐ญ๐บ Hungary โข ๐ฎ๐ธ Iceland โข ๐ฎ๐น Italy โข ๐ฎ๐ฑ Israel โข ๐ฏ๐ต Japan โข ๐ฐ๐ฎ Kiribati โข ๐ฐ๐ผ Kuwait โข ๐ฑ๐ป Latvia โข ๐ฑ๐ฎ Liechtenstein โข ๐ฑ๐น Lithuania โข ๐ฑ๐บ Luxembourg โข ๐ฒ๐ด Macao SAR โข ๐ฒ๐พ Malaysia โข ๐ฒ๐ป Maldives โข ๐ฒ๐น Malta โข ๐ฒ๐ญ Marshall Islands โข ๐ฒ๐บ Mauritius โข ๐ฒ๐ฝ Mexico โข ๐ซ๐ฒ Micronesia โข ๐ฒ๐จ Monaco โข ๐ณ๐ท Nauru โข ๐ณ๐ฑ Netherlands โข ๐ณ๐ฟ New Zealand โข ๐ณ๐ฎ Nicaragua โข ๐ณ๐ด Norway โข ๐ด๐ฒ Oman โข ๐ต๐ผ Palau โข ๐ต๐ฆ Panama โข ๐ต๐ฌ Papua New Guinea โข ๐ต๐พ Paraguay โข ๐ต๐ช Peru โข ๐ต๐ฑ Poland โข ๐ต๐น Portugal โข ๐ถ๐ฆ Qatar โข ๐ท๐ด Romania โข ๐ผ๐ธ Samoa โข ๐ธ๐ฒ San Marino โข ๐ธ๐ฆ Saudi Arabia โข ๐ธ๐จ Seychelles โข ๐ธ๐ฌ Singapore โข ๐ธ๐ง Solomon Islands โข ๐ฐ๐ท South Korea โข ๐ธ๐ฐ Slovakia โข ๐ธ๐ฎ Slovenia โข ๐ช๐ธ Spain โข ๐ฐ๐ณ St Kitts and Nevis โข ๐ฑ๐จ St Lucia โข ๐ป๐จ St Vincent and the Grenadines โข ๐ธ๐ช Sweden โข ๐จ๐ญ Switzerland โข ๐น๐ผ Taiwan โข ๐น๐ด Tonga โข ๐น๐ป Tuvalu โข ๐ฆ๐ช United Arab Emirates โข ๐บ๐ธ United States โข ๐บ๐พ Uruguay โข ๐ป๐ฆ Vatican City
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the UK ETA, and who needs it?
The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a system being introduced by the UK in April 2025. It applies to citizens of countries who previously did not need a visa, such as EU nations, and will cover short-term travel (tourism, business, transit, etc.).
2. When will ETA applications be open, and how much will it cost?
Applications for ETA will open in 2024, with implementation in April 2025. Our service fee is ยฃ59ย per application.
3. How do I apply for an ETA, and how long does it take?
Applications will be made online via the UK government website or mobile app. The process involves filling out basic personal information, answering security questions, and paying the fee. Most applications will be processed within 8-72 hours.
4. How long is the ETA valid, and how many times can I travel on it?
The ETA is valid for 2 years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. It allows for multiple entries to the UK, with each visit lasting a maximum of 6 months.
5. Do I need to print my ETA?
No, the ETA is electronic and linked to your passport. Simply present the passport at the border, and your ETA will be verified automatically.
6. What happens if my ETA application is rejected?
If your ETA application is rejected, you may reapply or apply for a different visa type, such as a Standard Visitor Visa, which may involve a more detailed application process.
7. Will the ETA cover travel to Ireland or Schengen countries?
No, the ETA is valid only for travel to the UK, including England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Separate entry conditions apply for Ireland and Schengen countries.
8. Will children need their own ETA?
Yes, each traveler, including children, will need their own ETA linked to their passport.
9. Are there any exceptions to ETA requirements?
Yes, Irish citizens and individuals with long-term visas for work, study, or residence in the UK are exempt from ETA requirements.
10. What should I do if I have more questions?
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@visaeta.uk.
