US citizens have needed a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) since 8 January 2025, and since 25 February 2026 airlines refuse boarding without one. Here is who needs it, what it costs, how long a decision takes and how to apply, checked against official UK government sources.
Decision usually within a day, up to 3 working days. Last updated: 28 September 2026.
What you need to apply
- The US passport you will travel with
- An email address
- A photo of your face (taken in the app or uploaded)
- A card, Apple Pay or Google Pay for the £20 fee
- One application per traveler, including babies
£20 government fee per person since 8 April 2026 (about $26.50)
2 years valid, or until your passport expires if that is sooner
6 months maximum stay per visit, multiple trips allowed
3 working days GOV.UK: allow up to this long; most decisions come faster
Every traveler needs their own ETA, including children and infants
UK + islands one ETA covers the UK, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man
Free ETA tools for American travelers
Do I need an ETA?
Five questions on dual citizenship, UK visas, Ireland and transit.
ETA planner & cost calculator
Your latest apply-by date, how long the ETA lasts and the fee for your family.
UK ETA news timeline
Every rule change since 2024, newest first, with official sources.
What changed for American travelers
Americans can still visit the UK without a visa for tourism, business meetings, family visits or short courses. What is new is a digital permission you get before you travel: the ETA. US citizens have been able to apply since 27 November 2024 and have needed an ETA for travel since 8 January 2025. Since 25 February 2026 the ETA is fully enforced: airlines, ferry and rail operators must check that you have permission to travel before you board.
Who needs one?
- US citizens visiting the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, family, business or a short course.
- Travelers who pass through UK border control on the way to another country.
- Every traveler individually, including children and babies.
You do not need an ETA if you are also a British or Irish citizen, already hold a UK visa or settled/pre-settled status, or live in Ireland and travel from there. Changing planes at Heathrow or Manchester without going through UK border control currently does not need an ETA either. Not sure? Take the 1-minute ETA check or read the complete UK ETA guide for US citizens.
Your ETA in 3 steps
- Fill in the application. Online or in the official UK ETA app. Have the passport you will travel with ready, plus an email address.
- Pay and submit. The government fee is £20 per person (about $26.50). It cannot be refunded after you apply, so check names and passport numbers first.
- Get the decision by email. Usually within a day, sometimes up to 3 working days. Travel only once you have the email confirming your ETA.
When is the latest you can apply, and until when will your ETA last? Work it out with the ETA planner.
Help with your application
You can apply for the ETA yourself with the UK government. If you would rather have someone check your details before you submit, a private application service can do that. Such services charge a service fee on top of the £20 government fee.
Simple form
A guided form in plain English, one question at a time.
Error check
Your passport details and answers are reviewed before the application is sent.
Valid for 2 years
One approved ETA covers many trips for two years, or until your passport expires.
New passport? New ETA
Your ETA is linked to the passport you applied with. If you renew or replace your US passport, you need to apply for a new ETA before your next trip. See UK ETA after a new US passport.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the UK ETA cost in 2026?
The official government fee is £20 per person (about $26.50), the same in the app and online, and the same for children. It rose from £16 on 8 April 2026. You cannot get a refund after you apply.
How long does it take to get a UK ETA?
GOV.UK says you will usually get a decision by email within a day, but it can take up to 3 working days. Many app applicants get an automatic decision within minutes. Allow up to 3 working days before you travel.
How long is the ETA valid?
Two years, or until the passport you applied with expires, whichever comes first. You can travel to the UK as many times as you like in that period, for up to 6 months each visit.
Do I need to print my ETA?
No. The ETA is linked digitally to your passport. Show your passport to the airline and at the border; the ETA is checked electronically.
What if my ETA is refused?
If it is rejected (for example because the photo is not valid), you are told why and can apply again. If it is refused, you cannot appeal; you would need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa if you still want to travel.
Does the ETA cover Ireland or the Schengen area?
No. It covers England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, plus Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. The Republic of Ireland and Schengen countries have their own entry rules.
Do I need an ETA for a layover in London?
If you go through UK border control, yes. If you change planes at Heathrow or Manchester without passing border control, you currently do not need one. This exemption may change, so check before you fly. More in the airside transit exemption for Americans.
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ETAVisaUK.us is an independent information site for Americans traveling to the United Kingdom. It is not a government website and is not affiliated with the UK authorities; decisions on ETA applications are made solely by the UK Home Office. Operated by VISA USA s.r.o., Sv. Cecha 750/4, Bilovec 743 01, Czechia (EU), ID 08392226.