Updated 28 September 2026
The UK ETA rules have changed several times since Americans became able to apply in November 2024. This page lists the changes that matter to US travelers, with dates and the newest first. Each change links to its official source.
All changes at a glance
Status on 28 September 2026
The EU’s ETIAS is not running yet
ETIAS, the European Union’s travel authorisation for visa-free visitors such as Americans, is not in operation and no applications are being collected. No official start date has been published; the EU has said it will announce it in advance. ETIAS is separate from the UK ETA and does not cover the UK.
22 September 2026
Carriers can be fined for passengers without an ETA
From this date airlines, ferry and rail operators may face financial penalties if a passenger who needs an ETA arrives in the UK without one. Expect strict ETA checks at check-in.
Status on 28 September 2026
The EU’s ETIAS is not running yet
ETIAS, the European Union’s travel authorisation for visa-free visitors such as Americans, is not in operation and no applications are being collected. No official start date has been published; the EU has said it will announce it in advance. ETIAS is separate from the UK ETA and does not cover the UK.
Source: European Commission, ETIAS
8 July 2026
UK eGates open to children aged 8 and 9
Children aged 8 and 9 who are at least 120 cm tall and travel with an adult can now use the automatic eGates at the UK border. US passport holders are among the nationalities that can use eGates. Every child still needs their own ETA.
Source: Home Office, 14 May 2026 and GOV.UK, At border control
23 April 2026
ETA required for direct travel to Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man
The three Crown Dependencies joined the ETA scheme. If you travel to them directly from outside the Common Travel Area, for example by ferry from France, you now need an ETA too.
Source: Government of Jersey, States of Guernsey and Isle of Man Government
9 April 2026
ETA applications cover the UK and the Crown Dependencies
Applications for the Crown Dependency ETA schemes opened. GOV.UK now says an ETA lets you travel to the UK, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man for up to 6 months. Apply through GOV.UK and check the island governments for the latest rules if you travel there directly.
8 April 2026
The fee rises to £20
An ETA now costs £20 per applicant instead of £16, both in the UK ETA app and online. Work out the cost for your family with the ETA planner.
Source: The Immigration and Nationality (Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 and GOV.UK, Apply for an ETA
25 February 2026
Full enforcement: no ETA, no boarding
From this date the ETA is fully enforced. Airlines and other carriers must check before departure that you have permission to travel. Without an ETA you will not be allowed to board your flight, train or ferry to the UK.
9 April 2025
The fee rises from £10 to £16
A week after the ETA became mandatory for most Europeans, the fee went up from £10 to £16.
Source: The Immigration and Nationality (Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2025
8 January 2025
ETA required for US citizens
US citizens and other eligible non-European visitors need an ETA for travel to the UK on or after this date. Applications had opened on 27 November 2024. Changing planes at Heathrow or Manchester without passing through border control currently does not require an ETA.
Source: Home Office, UK opens pre-travel requirement to non-Europeans and GOV.UK, When you do not need an ETA
What applies now?
- The ETA costs £20 per applicant, and every traveler needs their own, including children and babies.
- It lasts 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever is sooner, and covers multiple trips of up to 6 months each.
- You will usually get a decision within a day, but it can take up to 3 working days. Allow up to 3 working days before you travel.
- You cannot work in the UK on an ETA, apart from permitted paid engagements and a few other exceptions, and you cannot stay longer than 6 months (GOV.UK).
Not sure whether you need an ETA? Take the ETA check. To see when to apply and how long your ETA will last, use the ETA planner.
Last checked: 28 September 2026
ETAVisaUK.us is an independent information site and not a UK government website. The official application is at gov.uk/eta and in the UK ETA app.