As of January 8, 2025, all U.S. citizens traveling to the United Kingdom (UK) for short stays must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization Visa (ETA) before their trip. This new requirement is part of the UK government’s effort to streamline the entry process for travelers from visa-exempt countries, including the United States.
However, not everyone will qualify for an ETA. You may not be able to apply or your application could be denied if you have a criminal record or immigration violations, you’ve previously been refused entry to the UK, you plan to work, study long-term, or stay for an extended period, or you intend to engage in business activities beyond what the ETA allows.
If you fall into any of these categories, you’ll likely need to apply for a different type of UK visa, such as a Work Visa, Student Visa, or Visitor Visa.
In most cases though, a UK ETA for US citizens is the best option. It is similar to the U.S. ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) and serves to pre-screen travelers before they arrive in the UK. Once approved, it allows U.S. citizens to visit the UK for up to six months for tourism, business meetings or conferences, short-term study (up to six months), visiting family or friends, or transit through UK airports.
It is worth knowing that all U.S. citizens traveling to the UK must apply for some sort of visa, even if they are only transiting through a UK airport without leaving the terminal. Infants and minors must also have their own ETA. Parents or guardians can easily apply on behalf of their children.
The application process is designed to be quick and straightforward. You can apply online through the official UK government website or via the official UK ETA app available on iOS and Android. To complete your ETA application, you’ll need a valid U.S. passport (valid for the duration of your stay), a recent digital photograph (passport-size), and a debit or credit card for payment.
Applying for UK ETA online for US citizens starts with completing the online form, which includes your full name, date of birth, nationality, and passport information, along with your travel dates and purpose of visit. You’ll also need to answer basic security and background questions. Then, you’ll upload a scan of the biographical page of your passport and a recent passport-style photograph. Once you have checked your information, you can submit your application.
The ETA application fee is £10 (approximately $12.58), payable with a debit, credit card or mobile payment methods like Apple Pay. Most applications are processed within three business days. You’ll receive an email confirmation once your ETA is approved. While it’s not mandatory to print the confirmation, having a digital or physical copy can be helpful when you travel.
An approved ETA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You can use the same ETA for multiple entries into the UK during its validity period, with each stay lasting up to six months.
However, an ETA does not allow you to work. So if the ETA is not suitable because you plan to work, you need to apply for a specific UK visa instead. Common types include the Skilled Worker Visa for long-term employment in eligible occupations and the Intra-Company Transfer Visa for employees of multinational companies transferring to a UK branch.
Business and investment visas, such as the Innovator Visa (for starting a business in the UK) and the Investor Visa (for significant financial investments), are also available.
If you plan to study in the UK for more than six months, an ETA will not be sufficient. You’ll need a Student Visa for full-time university or college courses or a Short-Term Study Visa for language courses or study programs lasting up to 11 months.
For any Americans with a UK-born grandparent, they may qualify for an Ancestry Visa. This allows you to work and live in the UK for up to five years.
To live with a family member in the UK for an extended period, you’ll need a Family Visa, which applies if your relative is a British citizen or a permanent resident.
If you are not eligible for an ETA (for example, if you have a criminal record or immigration violations), you may need to apply for a Standard Visitor Visa instead.
To avoid complications, it’s best to apply for an ETA well in advance of your trip, even though most applications are processed within three business days. Mistakes in your personal details or passport information can lead to delays or rejections, so double-check everything before submitting your application.
If your ETA is denied, it is worth applying for a Standard Visitor Visa or another suitable visa based on your purpose. Checking the UK government’s website for guidance or consulting with an immigration advisor can help clarify your options and improve your chances of approval when you apply again.
To sum things up, U.S. citizens visiting the UK for short stays must apply for an ETA. Most ETA applications are processed within three business days, but applying early helps avoid complications. If you don’t qualify for an ETA due to past immigration issues or the nature of your visit, you’ll need to explore visa options like the Work Visa, Study Visa, or Family Visa. By preparing ahead and understanding the UK’s updated entry requirements, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free visit in 2025.
