Beginning January 8, 2025, U.S. citizens planning to visit the United Kingdom will need more than just their passport. The U.K. government has announced that American travelers will be required to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before entering the country.
According to a notice from the U.S. Department of State, U.S. citizens traveling to the U.K. for tourism, family visits, business meetings, conferences, or short-term study of six months or less will need to obtain an ETA. The requirement applies to travelers transiting through the U.K. as well.
The U.K. government has set up a website where travelers can check their eligibility to apply for an ETA. The application will allow U.S. citizens to visit the U.K. for up to six months without needing a visa, whether for tourism, business, or short-term study.
For those unsure whether they need an ETA or a visa, the U.K. government’s website offers a tool that helps determine the appropriate travel document based on nationality and travel duration. However, travelers who hold a U.K. visa, are British or Irish citizens, have right of abode status, or have settled or pre-settled status will not need to apply for an ETA.
The ETA will be valid for two years, allowing multiple entries into the U.K. during that period. Travelers can apply through the U.K. ETA phone app, which the government recommends as the fastest and easiest method. The application process is expected to take no more than 10 minutes. Alternatively, applicants can use the U.K. government’s website to submit their request. Most applicants will receive a decision within three working days, though some may get a quicker response.
To apply for an ETA, U.S. citizens will need to pay a small application fee, approximately $13, and upload a recent photograph along with a copy of the passport they will use for travel. The application does not require travel details at the time of submission.
With the new ETA requirement set to begin in January, travelers planning a trip to the U.K. should ensure they apply in advance to avoid delays.