UK ETA for US Citizens 2026 — Requirements, Cost & How to Apply

What is UK ETA?

The UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is a digital entry permission required for visa-exempt nationals traveling to the United Kingdom. It is not a visa but an electronic pre-screening authorization that must be obtained before boarding a flight to the UK.

The UK ETA system was introduced by the UK Home Office to enhance border security and pre-screen travelers before they arrive in the country. US citizens were among the first nationalities required to obtain an ETA, with the mandate taking effect on February 25, 2026.

The ETA is linked electronically to your passport number. When you check in for your flight to the UK, the airline verifies your ETA status through the UK Border system. Without an approved ETA, you will not be allowed to board your flight.

Do US Citizens Need UK ETA?

Yes, US citizens must have a UK ETA to travel to the UK for tourism, business, short-term study, or transit purposes. This requirement has been mandatory since February 25, 2026.

Previously, US citizens could visit the UK for up to 6 months without any visa or travel authorization. That arrangement ended on February 25, 2026. American travelers now need to obtain an ETA before every trip to the UK (though the ETA itself is valid for 2 years).

The ETA requirement applies to all travel purposes where a visa was not previously required:

• Tourism and vacation — holidays, sightseeing, visiting family or friends
• Business — attending meetings, conferences, trade fairs, or negotiations
• Short-term study — courses up to 6 months
• Transit — passing through a UK airport (including airside transit through Heathrow)
• Permitted Paid Engagement — specific paid activities like guest lecturing or arts performances (up to 1 month)

UK ETA Cost for US Citizens

The UK ETA fee is £16 (approximately $22 USD). This is the current fee as of June 2026.

However, the UK government has announced a fee increase:

• Current fee: £16 (~$22 USD) — until April 7, 2026
• New fee from April 8, 2026: £20 (~$27 USD)

The fee is paid through the UK ETA app at the time of application using a credit or debit card. There are no additional processing fees or service charges when applying through the official government app.

Compared to a full UK visa (which costs £100+ and requires weeks of processing), the ETA is significantly more affordable and faster for short-term visits. For reference:

• UK ETA: £16–£20 ($22–$27)
• UK Standard Visitor Visa: £115 ($155) — for longer stays or non-eligible nationalities
• UK Skilled Worker Visa: £719 ($970) — for work authorization

UK ETA Validity

The UK ETA is valid for 2 years from the date of approval. During this period, you can enter the UK multiple times without reapplying for a new ETA.

Important: The ETA is linked to your passport number. If you renew your US passport before the ETA expires, your ETA is no longer valid and you must apply for a new one linked to your new passport.

UK ETA Application Process

Applying for a UK ETA as a US citizen is quick and entirely digital. The entire process is done through the official UK ETA mobile app, available on iOS and Android. You do not need to visit a British embassy, consulate, or visa application center.

Step-by-Step Application Guide

1. Download the UK ETA app — Search for "UK ETA" on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The official app is published by the UK Home Office.
2. Scan your US passport — Use your phone's camera to scan the biodata page of your valid US passport. The app will extract your personal information automatically.
3. Take a photo — Take a current photograph of yourself using your phone's camera. Ensure good lighting and a neutral expression.
4. Answer eligibility questions — Answer questions about your travel history, criminal record (if any), and previous immigration violations.
5. Pay the fee — Pay £16 ($22 USD) using a credit or debit card. The app accepts Visa, Mastercard, Amex, and other major payment cards.
6. Submit and wait — Most applications are approved within minutes. You will receive a confirmation email once your ETA is approved.

Tips for a Smooth Application

• Ensure your US passport is valid — it must not expire during your planned visit to the UK
• Use a well-lit environment when taking your photo
• Double-check that your name matches your passport exactly
• Apply at least 3 working days before your departure, although most are approved immediately
• Keep your passport number handy — the ETA is linked to this number

UK ETA Processing Time

Most UK ETA applications for US citizens are processed automatically and approved within minutes of submission. The system checks your information against UK Home Office databases and returns a decision almost instantly in the majority of cases.

However, some applications are flagged for manual review, which can take up to 72 hours (3 working days). The UK Home Office therefore recommends applying at least 3 working days before your planned travel to the UK.

Factors that may delay processing include:

• Incomplete or incorrect information in the application
• Name mismatches between passport and application
• Poor quality photograph
• Ties to countries on the UK's visa national list (e.g., dual nationals)
• Criminal record flags that require manual review
• Previous UK immigration violations or overstays

If your application is not approved within 3 working days, contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) through the official support channels. There is no option to expedite or pay for faster processing of ETA applications.

UK ETA vs ETIAS vs ESTA

US citizens now have three major travel authorization systems to keep track of depending on their destination. Here is how the UK ETA compares to ETIAS (for Europe) and ESTA (for the US):

Bottom line: If you are a US citizen traveling internationally, you may need all three authorizations depending on your itinerary. A trip combining London, Paris, and New York would require a UK ETA, an ETIAS (once launched), and no additional authorization since you are a US citizen traveling to the US.

Who Can Apply for a UK ETA?

UK ETA eligibility extends beyond just US citizens. The following groups are eligible to apply:

• US citizens — American passport holders traveling for tourism, business, study, or transit
• US permanent residents — Green card holders who are nationals of ETA-eligible countries
• Citizens of all visa-exempt countries — Including EU countries, Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, New Zealand, and many others
• Dual nationals — Individuals holding a US passport and another ETA-eligible nationality

If you hold a US passport, you are eligible. If you are a permanent resident of the US but hold a passport from a country that requires a UK visa (such as India, China, or the Philippines), you must apply for a Standard Visitor Visa instead of an ETA.

Check your nationality on the UK visa checker to confirm whether you need an ETA or a full visa.

Passport Requirements for UK ETA

To apply for a UK ETA as a US citizen, your passport must meet the following requirements:

• Valid US passport — Your passport must not have expired. It should be valid for the entire duration of your stay in the UK.
• Biometric passport — US passports issued in 2007 or later are biometric (e-passport) with the chip symbol on the cover. Older non-biometric US passports may not be eligible for ETA.
• Readable biodata page — The passport's machine-readable zone must be legible for the app to scan it successfully
• No damage — Passports that are significantly damaged, torn, or have faded information may not be accepted

If you renew your passport, remember that your ETA is linked to your old passport number and becomes invalid. You must apply for a new ETA linked to your new passport.

Frequently Asked Questions