Effective immediately, U.S. citizens traveling to the United Kingdom for short visits, tourism, or business, including those just passing through U.K. airports, will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) if they do not have a U.K. visa or legal residency in the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland. This requirement applies to all parts of the U.K., including Northern Ireland and British Overseas Territories. Per the U.S. Department of State, the ETA acts as a pre-clearance for travel and this change is part of the U.K.’s move towards a digital border system.
An Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA):
- May take up to three working days to process.
- Costs £10 (approximately $12.75).
- Is required for travelers of all ages.
- Is valid for two years or the remaining period of validity on a passport, whichever is shorter; and
- Does not require travel details.
Travelers do not need an ETA if they already have a visa, an exempt vignette, or hold a valid British or Irish passport. Citizens of countries that ordinarily require a visa to visit the U.K. will continue to do so and should not obtain an ETA.
For more information – and to apply for an ETA – go to https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta. We recommend applying for the ETA a minimum of five days in advance of your scheduled arrival at a U.K. airport.
