You may have heard of the ETIAS, a special travel authorization that all U.S. passport holders traveling to most European countries will need by mid-2025. However, if you plan to visit the UK next year, you’ll need an entirely different travel authorization, known as an ETA.
What is an ETA?
An ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is an entry requirement to visit the UK (England, Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland) for up to six months.
When do you need an ETA by?
Americans looking to travel to the UK next year will need an ETA to enter the country starting January 8th, 2025. Americans planning to travel to the UK before that date will not need an ETA for entry.
Who needs to apply for an ETA?
The following nationalities, including the United States, will need to apply for an ETA if they plan on traveling to the UK January 8th, 2025 onward. Until then, they do not need an ETA for entry.
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Australia
- The Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Botswana
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Canada
- Chile
- Costa Rica
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Guyana
- Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (including British national overseas)
- Israel
- Japan
- Kiribati
- Macao Special Administrative Region
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Marshall Islands
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Federated States of Micronesia
- Nauru
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua
- Palau
- Panama
- Papua New Guinea
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Samoa
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Solomon Islands
- South Korea
- St Kitts and Nevis
- St Lucia
- St Vincent and the Grenadines
- Taiwan
- Tonga
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Tuvalu
- Uruguay
Those from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates will need an ETA to travel to the UK now.
Babies and children traveling to the UK will also require an ETA.
How long is an ETA valid for?
An ETA is valid for up to two years.
How much does an ETA cost?
An ETA costs £10 to apply.
What’s the application process?
Travelers can apply for an ETA on the UK ETA app. Otherwise, they can apply online.
Applicants will need:
- The passport they will be traveling with
- A photo of themselves or whoever they’re applying for
- A credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay
Travelers will typically receive a decision on their application within three working days. You can learn more on the UK’s official government website.
Additionally, these other foreign countries require some sort of travel authorization from U.S. citizens.