For US citizens, traveling to the United Kingdom has changed.
Beginning 2025, most Americans must obtain a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before flying. Simply put: No ETA, no travel.
In this guide, we take you through the UK ETA requirements for US citizens. Specifically, we’ll cover who needs to get it, what it’s for, and how long it stays valid.
If you’re planning a short visit to the UK, then it’s important you learn this information.
What Is a UK ETA?
As we’ve mentioned in the previous section, a UK ETA is a digital travel authorization. The UK introduced the ETA to strengthen border security and streamline low-risk travel. Currently, similar systems already exist in the United States and Canada.
Correspondingly, the ETA allows eligible US citizens to enter the UK for short stays without a visa. Also, the ETA links electronically to your passport. Hence, think of it as permission to travel, not permission to enter.
Note that UK border officers still decide entry on arrival. So, the ETA simply lets you get on the plane.
The takeaway? The ETA is mandatory, digital, and checked before you board your flight.
Who Needs a UK ETA?
Overall, most US citizens now need a UK ETA for short trips.
In particular, you need an ETA if you:
- Hold a US passport
- Travel to the UK for tourism, business, study, or transit
- Do not already have a UK visa or residency status
On the other hand, you do not need an ETA if you:
- Hold a UK or Irish passport
- Have a valid UK visa
- Have settled or pre-settled UK status
Airlines check ETA status before boarding. If your ETA is missing, then boarding will be denied. Therefore, one mistake can cancel your trip.
Passport Requirements
Your passport matters now more than ever.
To apply for a UK ETA, US citizens must have:
- A valid US passport
- A passport that remains valid during travel
- A passport free of damage or data errors
The ETA links to your passport number. Correspondingly, if you renew or replace your passport, then you must apply again.
Also, name mismatches cause delays and typos cause denials.
Pro tip: Apply after finalizing your passport details, not before.
Travel Allowed Under ETA
Notably, the ETA covers short-term travel only.
Approved purposes for US citizens include:
- Tourism and vacations
- Visiting family or friends
- Business meetings and conferences
- Short-term study
- Permitted paid engagements
- Transiting through the UK
The ETA does not allow:
- Long-term employment
- Permanent relocation
- Access to public funds
- Extended academic study
If your plans exceed six months, you likely need a visa.
Clear rule: Short visits are fine. But long stays need visas.
Stay Rules for US Citizens
With a UK ETA, you can stay up to six months per visit.
In addition, there is no fixed annual limit stated. However, frequent long stays may raise concerns at the border.
Moreover, border officers assess travel patterns. Thus, this means that abuse of short-stay rules can lead to refusal.
Always remember that the ETA does not guarantee entry. Hence, smart travelers keep visits reasonable and well-documented.
Correspondingly, applying for the UK ETA takes minutes when documents are ready.
Documentation Checklist
Before applying, US citizens should prepare the following:
- A valid US passport, matching the details used for the ETA application.
- Personal information, including home address, date of birth, nationality, and any criminal history.
- A passport photo upload and a selfie for biometric verification. Children may follow modified photo rules.
- An email address for receiving the ETA decision.
- A digital payment method, such as a debit or credit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.
Each traveler, including infants, must hold an individual ETA.
How to Apply for ETA
In summary, the UK ETA application is simple and entirely online for US citizens. Correspondingly, here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Visit the EVS platform. Notably, it simplifies the ETA application process so you can avoid going through complex visa processes.
At EVS, your personal and travel information remains safe and secure with its strict data protection regulations. Moreover, it provides you with expert guidance and seamless support to ensure a stress-free application journey.
Step 2: Upload a passport photo. It must have a plain, light-colored background without any shadows or objects behind you.
Step 3: Upload a scan or photo of your passport information page. Ensure the full passport photo page is inside the frame, including the two lines of numbers and letters at the bottom. Additionally, the passport must be valid for at least six months upon entering and exiting the UK.
Step 4: Provide your personal information:
- Contact details
- Home address
- Employment information
- Citizenship information
- Criminal history, if any
Overall, make sure that the information you provide matches what is on your passport.
Step 5: Review and confirm the information on your application. In particular, you can pay using suitable electronic payment methods such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, a credit card, or a debit card.
Step 6: Pay the application fee.
Step 7: Receive your UK ETA. Next, you will receive an email with the decision. The authorization will be linked to your passport digitally.
Once approved, the ETA is valid for multiple visits over a two-year period, or until your passport expires. Because mistakes can delay approval, make sure to triple-check all entries before you submit.
Apply early. Do not wait until the week before your trip. Early applications reduce stress and allow time for corrections if needed. If you renew your passport before travel, reapply for a new ETA.
Ready to get started with your application? Then click the button below to obtain your ETA.
How Long Does a UK ETA Last?
This is a common question among US citizens planning to visit the UK.
Notably, a UK ETA is valid for:
- Up to two years, or
- Until your passport expires
Correspondingly, whichever comes first applies.
During validity, you may enter the UK multiple times. Note that each stay still follows the six-month limit.
If you change passports, then your ETA expires automatically.
Simple rule: New passport equals new ETA.
US Citizens’ Common Mistakes
Small errors cause big problems.
Specifically, common mistakes include:
- Waiting until the last minute
- Using third-party application sites
- Entering incorrect passport numbers
- Assuming approval guarantees entry
- Forgetting to reapply after passport renewal
The ETA system is automated, so errors are rarely forgiven. Overall, accuracy beats speed every time.
Why the UK ETA Is Not a Visa
This distinction matters. While a visa grants formal permission to enter and stay, an ETA does not.
The ETA:
- Is faster to obtain
- Costs less than most visas
- Covers limited activities
- Requires border officer approval on arrival
On the other hand, visas involve deeper screening and longer stays.
Bottom line: An ETA is travel permission. A visa is legal status.
Last Tips for US Citizens
The UK ETA is now a core travel requirement.
In summary, most US travelers need one. The process is simple, but mistakes are costly.
As such, apply early and double-check your passport.
Furthermore, prepared travelers avoid airport stress. Overall, travel smart and apply once so you can travel confidently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check someone else’s ETA?
Overall, you need the passport used for the application. Without it, you cannot check the ETA.
What if my application is refused?
If authorities reject your application, then you may need to apply for a visa instead. Hence, always check official advice for next steps.
Can I apply at the airport?
No. Specifically, ETA requires online applications before travel. As such, approval may take minutes or days.
Which countries are eligible for the travel authorization?
In particular, business travelers from the following countries can apply for an ETA:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Australia
- The Bahamas
- Bahrain
- Barbados
- Belize
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Canada
- Chile
- Costa Rica
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Guyana
- Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (including British National Overseas)
- Israel
- Japan
- Kiribati
- Kuwait
- Macao Special Administrative Region
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Marshall Islands
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Federated States of Micronesia
- Nauru
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua
- Oman
- Palau
- Panama
- Papua New Guinea
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Qatar
- Samoa
- Saudi Arabia
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Solomon Islands
- South Korea
- St. Kitts and Nevis
- St. Lucia
- St. Vincent and the Grenadines
- Taiwan
- Toga
- Tuvalu
- United Arab Emirates
- United States
- Uruguay
Meanwhile, applications have opened for European travelers visiting the UK on or after April 2, 2025:
- Andorra
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- San Marino
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Vatican City
In addition, this also covers eligible dual citizens.
Are there non-EU European countries that need a UK ETA?
Yes. In particular, these include Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland, and the Vatican City.
Can I apply on behalf of family members?
Yes. Specifically, you may submit ETA applications for others, but each traveler must meet all requirements.
What if my flight is delayed and I have to leave the airport?
You’ll need an ETA to enter the UK, even due to delays or rebooking.
Photo by abdullah ali on Unsplash
