You Now Need An ETA to Travel to the UK From the US
UPDATE As Of January 17, 2025
According to the British Government’s official guidance at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta#full-publication-update-history, “You no longer need an ETA to transit through the UK if you will not pass through border control ('airside' transit).”
What does this mean?
If you are just laying over at a British Airport you do not need an ETA. If you pass through security or step outside of the airport for any reason, you will need an ETA.
Our advice? If you are heading to Great Britain for any reason, get an ETA. It is quick, easy, and inexpensive and even if you are just laying over at Heathrow, if something goes wrong with a flight you can leave the airport without a hassle.
Starting on January 8th, 2025, travelers entering the United Kingdom from the United States will be required to have an ETA - Electronic Travel Authorization. Even if you are just laying over at a UK airport, you will be stepping onto British soil and you will need an ETA.
This includes Scotland! The UK is made up of four countries: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. If you are entering the UK though any of these countries you will need an ETA.
England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland require a UK Electronic Travel Authorization upon entry.
HOw do I apply for an ETA?
The easiest way to apply for the ETA is through the UK ETA app. Approval can be obtained in as little as 10 minutes. If you would rather apply online you can start here. It may take a few days to receive approval via the online process.
The cost is £10 to apply for the authorization.
You will need to upload a photo of your passport, scan and photograph yourself as you apply, upload the photo, and answer various questions about your plans. Applying online takes around 20 minutes and you must complete the process in one attempt. You cannot save your progress in the application.
Everyone entering the UK needs their own ETA, including children and babies. But you can apply on somebody else’s behalf.
Make sure you are accessing the application from the official Gov.uk website. You will find third party websites that charge additional fees for the ETA application in your search results - they pay advertising fees to be listed ahead of the official government site and look legitimate. This application is 10 bucks and takes 20 minutes, there is no need to use any third party assistance.
Travelers from the United States to the United Kingdom are now required to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization.
How Long is the ETA Good For?
Your approved ETA will last for two years and multiple entries, however you can only stay for up to 6 months at a time and your stay must be for tourism, visiting family and friends, business or short-term study. Your ETA will be digitally linked to your passport so if you get a new passport during those two years you must apply for a new authorization.
The UK’s ETA is different from the European Union’s planned ETIAS, the rollout of which has been pushed back several times and is expected to go into effect later this year.
If you would like to travel to the UK, fill out our Travel Planner form here and we’ll put together a complete itinerary, customized to fit your plans.
