The EuroCheapo guide to getting a U.K. ETA ‘visa’

U.S. travelers will need more than just a passport to visit the U.K. Photo: Blake Guidry

Starting Jan. 8, 2025, the U.K. now requires for American tourists (as well as tourists from 47 other countries) who do not need a standard visa to apply for a U.K. Electronic Travel Authorisation, or U.K. ETA.

While it’s often referred to as a visa, this registration is actually a type of visa waiver, so those traveling to the U.K. who don’t need a visa will need to have this waiver completed to enter the country.

Although this registration is a new requirement, it can be completed digitally. Just make sure you do so in advance of your trip to avoid any delays.

Need help navigating the process? Here’s everything you need to know about the new U.K. ETA.

How to apply for the U.K. ETA

There are two primary ways to apply for the new ETA. The easiest option is to download the U.K. ETA app, which is available in the Apple App Store and Google Play. According to the U.K. government, applying by the app takes about 10 minutes and leads to quicker processing.

However, if you are unable to download the app, you can also apply online. Application and processing times may take slightly longer using this method.

What you need in order to apply for the U.K. ETA

Before applying, make sure to have your passport and a digital payment, such as a credit card, debit card, or digital wallet, close by. You can apply on behalf of someone else, but that person must be with you when applying, because the application includes taking a photo and, for people over age 9, scanning the face.

To sum all that up, here’s a list of what to have with you before applying:

• Anyone you will be applying for should be with you during the application process
• Valid passport
• Form of payment: credit or debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay

Cost of a U.K. ETA

Yes, you will have to pay to apply for the ETA. Currently, the U.K. ETA costs £10 (around $13).

U.K. ETA processing time

It’s particularly important to know how long it takes for the ETA to be approved, because you’ll want approval before entering the U.K. If your ETA isn’t completed and processed in time, you will not be allowed out of the passport control area upon arrival.

The U.K. ETA processing may take as little as one day or up to three working days. With this in mind, be sure to apply before it’s time to head out on your trip so you aren’t delayed at the airport waiting for the application to be approved.

How long is a U.K. ETA valid?

Fortunately, if you plan to do multiple trips to the U.K., one ETA is valid for two years or until the passport used during application expires, whichever comes first. The ETA is valid for visits under 6 months in length.

Because the ETA is digitally connected to your passport, if the passport used during the application process expires, you will need to apply for a new ETA. Make sure to check those expiration dates well in advance of your trip to avoid some inconvenient surprises!

Who needs a U.K. ETA?

Every person traveling into the U.K. for less than 6 months, even if it’s a quick pass through the country to another destination, will need the ETA. Each person traveling to the U.K. will require their own ETA, including infants and children. However, one individual can apply for the ETA on behalf of another person, and children ages 9 and under will not have to complete the face-scanning requirement.

The U.K. government website includes a list of countries from which people can apply for their ETAs now, as well as another list of countries from which people can apply for ETAs beginning on March 5, 2025.

What other documentation will I need to travel to the U.K. or Europe?

Travelers from the U.S. will need their passport along with the ETA or a visa (if you plan to work in the country or will visit for longer than 6 months) to travel to the U.K.

Starting later in 2025, anyone from the U.S. (and select other countries) traveling to Europe will also need an ETIAS, another type of visa waiver. You can learn more about the requirements on the official ETIAS website.

More information on the ETA

Be sure to explore the U.K. government website and the U.S. Embassy website for more information on ETA and other travel requirements, then explore our U.K. blog posts for more travel tips!