UK ETA for US Travelers: Do You Need One, How to Apply, and What It Covers
Short answer: Yes — for most short trips, US nationals need a UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) for travel to the UK on or after 8 January 2025. It is an electronic travel authorisation, not a visa. The government fee is £20 to apply online or through the UK ETA app. An approved ETA lasts 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever is sooner, and allows multiple stays of up to 6 months each. Start with help on my-evisas.com, or see the apply overview in this guide. Stand: 29 July 2026.
Navigation: ← UK hub · Start on my-evisas.com
UK ETA, visa, and entry — what’s the difference?
| Term | What it is | Typical for US short visits |
|---|---|---|
| ETA | Electronic travel authorisation before you travel | Usually required instead of a visa |
| Visitor visa | Permission for visits when ETA is not the right path | Longer stays, work/study, or after ETA refusal |
| Exemption | No ETA needed | e.g. British/Irish passport, or permission to live/work/study in the UK |
An ETA is not a guarantee of entry to the UK, Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man. Border officers still decide admission when you arrive.
Who needs a UK ETA — and who is exempt?
Usually need an ETA: US nationals for short visits — the Immigration Rules list the United States for travel to the UK on or after 8 January 2025. GOV.UK states that people from the USA usually need an ETA rather than a visa.
Often do not need an ETA, for example if you have:
- a British or Irish passport
- permission to live, work or study in the UK
If your situation is unusual, use the guidance on gov.uk/eta before you book non-refundable travel.
How to apply for a UK ETA — official channels
Two official channels (GOV.UK Apply):
- the UK ETA app (App Store / Google Play)
- the online form on gov.uk/eta
You typically need the passport you will travel with, an email address, a payment method, and a photo. For assisted electronic filing, start on my-evisas.com. Binding apply channels remain those named on GOV.UK (Sources below).
UK ETA app — requirements
Per Using the UK ETA app:
- Language: English only
- iPhone: iPhone 7 / 7 Plus or newer · iOS 16+
- Android: Android 12+ with NFC (to scan the passport chip)
- US passports: if scanning the front fails, place the phone on the inside of the back cover
- Children: face scan is not required for a child aged 9 or younger
- Problems with the app: apply online instead
Deeper App troubleshooting: UK ETA app guide.
Apply online without the app
If you cannot use the app (older phone, no NFC, technical issues), apply online at gov.uk/eta/apply. Wait for the UKVI email confirming your ETA before you travel.
Need help starting the online application? my-evisas.com can assist with UK ETA online applications — start on my-evisas.com. For device limits, see the ETA app guide. Overview of related guides: UK hub.
Children, babies, and landside transit
| Situation | ETA needed? |
|---|---|
| Children & babies (any age) | Yes — each person needs their own ETA |
| Landside transit (pass through UK border control, then continue) | Yes |
| Exemptions (British/Irish passport, UK permission, etc.) | See exemptions above |
Every traveler needs an ETA, including babies and children. In the app, children 9 or younger are not asked for a face scan; follow the official photo steps for the person you are applying for.
Layover tip: If your connection requires you to pass through UK border control before the next flight, you need an ETA. Confirm with your airline whether you will clear border control.
Cost, validity, and processing time
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Government fee | See the short answer at the top of this page |
| Validity | 2 years or until the passport expires — whichever is sooner |
| Stay length | Multiple trips; usually up to 6 months per visit |
| Processing | Decision by email from UKVI, usually within a day; allow up to 3 working days |
Do not travel until you have the confirmation email.
Common pitfalls
| Topic | What goes wrong |
|---|---|
| Missing confirmation email | Wait for the UKVI decision email before you travel |
| Traveling too early | Wait for the UKVI confirmation email |
| Assuming ETA = entry | An ETA does not guarantee entry |
| Forgetting kids | Each child/baby needs their own ETA |
| Landside layover | Border control in the UK → ETA required |
When you need a visa instead of an ETA
An ETA covers short visits within the usual stay rules. You may need a visa instead when your plans go beyond what ETA is for — for example longer stays, work, or study pathways described on GOV.UK Standard Visitor / visa pages.
If an ETA application is refused, there is no appeal; you need to apply for a visa if you still want permission to come to the UK. Next steps: ETA refused — what next.
If you have previously been refused entry to the UK or have a criminal record, GOV.UK notes you may want to apply for a Standard Visitor visa even if you do not need one. A Standard Visitor visa costs £135 for up to 6 months; the earliest you can apply is 3 months before travel. my-evisas.com does not file Standard Visitor visas — use official DIY: UK visitor visa guide and gov.uk/standard-visitor.
Pre-travel checklist
- [ ] Valid passport you will travel with
- [ ] ETA applied via gov.uk/eta or the UK ETA app (check device requirements)
- [ ] Confirmation email from UKVI received
- [ ] Allowed enough time — up to 3 working days for a decision
- [ ] Every traveler has their own ETA — including children and babies
- [ ] If connecting: know whether you will clear UK border control
- [ ] Trip fits short-visit rules — otherwise check visa paths
FAQ
Do US citizens need a UK ETA? Usually yes for short visits — US nationals are listed for travel on or after 8 January 2025.
What does a UK ETA cost? See the short answer at the top of this page.
How long is a UK ETA valid? 2 years or until the passport expires, whichever is sooner; multiple visits of up to 6 months each.
App or website — which should I use? Both are official. Use the app if your phone meets the requirements; otherwise apply online.
What are the UK ETA app requirements? iPhone 7+ with iOS 16+, or Android 12+ with NFC; English only; US passport scan tip on the inside back cover if the front fails. Details: Using the UK ETA app · App guide.
Do children need their own ETA? Yes — each person, including babies and children.
Do I need an ETA for a layover in the UK? If you pass through UK border control before continuing, yes.
How long does the decision take? Usually within a day; allow up to 3 working days.
Who is exempt? Examples include people with a British or Irish passport, or permission to live, work or study in the UK.
What if my ETA is refused? There is no appeal; you need a visa if you still want to seek permission to come to the UK. See ETA refused.
How can I apply or get help? Start on my-evisas.com for UK ETA application help. Binding rules remain those published by UKVI (Sources below).
Sources
- GOV.UK — Get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA)
- GOV.UK — Apply for an ETA
- GOV.UK — Using the UK ETA app
- UK Home Office — Appendix ETA National List
- UK Home Office — ETA factsheet (April 2026)
- GOV.UK — Standard Visitor
Important notice
The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. my-evisas.com is a private service provider and not a government authority, embassy, or consulate.
Entry and ETA rules can change. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of this information. Only the official rules in force at the time of your travel are authoritative.
As of: 25 July 2026
For binding information, check UK Visas and Immigration / the Home Office, including gov.uk/eta.