UK ETA for US Citizens: Cost, Processing Time, How to Apply
Short answer: Yes. Since January 8, 2025, US citizens need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before traveling to the United Kingdom for a short visit. It is not a visa — it is a digital permission to travel, applied for online before you fly, and you must have the approval before boarding.
Quick facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fee | £20 per person, non-refundable, paid on GOV.UK or the official UK ETA app |
| Validity | 2 years, or until the passport linked to it expires — whichever comes first |
| Entries and stay | Multiple trips; up to 6 months per visit |
| Processing | Usually decided by email within a day; allow up to 3 working days |
| Who needs one | Every traveler, including babies and children — each person needs their own ETA |
| Covers | United Kingdom, Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man |
| Official application | GOV.UK or the official UK ETA app |
How to apply
- Apply only on GOV.UK or through the official UK ETA app — the app scans your passport and your face with your phone's camera.
- You'll need the passport you are traveling with, an email address, and a card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.
- Pay the £20 fee. Third-party websites charge more for the same authorisation, and paying more does not buy a faster government decision.
- Wait for the confirmation email before you travel. An ETA is permission to travel, not a guarantee of entry, and it does not let you work or live in the UK.
Before you apply
- Check that your passport will still be valid for your trip — if you replace your passport, you need a new ETA tied to the new one.
- Apply at least a few days before departure; GOV.UK's official window is up to 3 working days, even though most decisions arrive faster.
- Every member of your party needs their own ETA, including children.
- If you are only transiting airside (international to international, never passing through UK immigration) at London Heathrow or Manchester, a temporary Home Office concession has exempted those passengers — confirm whether it still applies before relying on it.
Common mistakes
- Paying a copycat site's inflated fee instead of applying on GOV.UK.
- Assuming a visa-free passport means no advance permission is needed — since February 2026 the ETA is mandatory before boarding for visa-exempt visitors.
- Traveling before the confirmation email arrives.
- Assuming an old ETA survives a passport renewal — it does not; a new passport needs a new ETA.
- Assuming the ETA guarantees entry or allows work — it does neither.
FAQs
- Do US citizens need a UK ETA? Yes, for any short visit since January 8, 2025, and it has been fully mandatory before boarding since February 2026.
- How much does the UK ETA cost? £20 per person through the official channels (the fee rose from £16 in April 2026).
- How long does it last? Two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first, with multiple trips of up to 6 months each.
- How long does approval take? Usually within a day by email; allow up to 3 working days.
- Is the ETA a visa? No. It is a digital travel permission for visa-exempt visitors, not a visa.
Travel insurance
The ETA covers permission to travel, not medical care. If you want medical coverage abroad for the trip, SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance is built for long-term travelers. Read the policy wording before you buy, since no policy covers everything.
*Visa rules change. Confirm current requirements on GOV.UK before applying. Not legal or immigration advice.*