Do US citizens need an ETA for the UK? What to know

If you’re a US citizen with plans to visit the UK, you need to get an Electronic Travel Authorization, or ETA, before you arrive at border security.

The UK government issues ETAs directly through its own app. The application is straightforward, though there is a fee.

In this article, we’ll cover all you need to know about the UK ETA requirement for US citizens, including how it works, what it costs, and everything else to expect.

We'll also introduce the Wise account, which allows you to send, spend, and receive your money across the globe in over 40 currencies – all at the fair mid-market rate.

Learn more 🔎

Table of contents
What is the UK ETA? Do US citizens need an ETA? When does the UK ETA requirement for US citizens go into effect? Can US citizens travel to the UK without an ETA? How much is a UK ETA for US citizens? International money at the tip of your fingers: get the Wise Multi-Currency Card How to apply for a UK ETA How long does it take to get a UK ETA? How long is my ETA valid?

What is the UK ETA?

The UK ETA application is a digital screening process that allows the UK government to collect biometric and other identifying information about people who intend to travel to the UK. They use this information to prevent those they perceive as threats from crossing the border.¹

For this reason, if you have a criminal record, you may want to apply for a visa to travel to the UK.¹

Keep in mind that while the UK ETA is a requirement for entry into the country, it does not mean that you have been approved to cross the border. You must still go through customs upon your arrival.

Do US citizens need an ETA?

US citizens who do not already have a visa to enter the UK need to have an ETA at the border to be considered for entry.¹

Once your UK ETA application is approved, you can use it for 2 years. In this time, you can make multiple entries into the UK for up to 6 months to vacation, study, or visit family and friends. However, the ETA does not permit you to work.

Your ETA is electronically linked to the passport you used when applying. If your passport expires, you’ll have to get a new ETA that matches your new passport.

💡 If you are a dual citizen of the US and the UK or Ireland, you do not need an ETA to enter the UK. Instead, you should travel with your UK or Irish passport or certificate of entitlement.

When does the UK ETA requirement for US citizens go into effect?

The UK ETA start date for US citizens was on January 8, 2025.² Until further notice, US citizens will require an ETA to travel to the UK.

Can US citizens travel to the UK without an ETA?

In most cases, no. The ETA is a critical part of UK travel requirements for US citizens.

If you have a visa, you do not need an ETA. You also don’t need an ETA if you have a UK or Irish passport.

If you don’t think you need an ETA, check online with the UK government to make sure.

You can land in an airport in the UK and take a plane elsewhere without obtaining an ETA. But if you have to use customs and border control while changing planes or airlines, you’ll still need one.¹

How much is a UK ETA for US citizens?

The application fee for a UK ETA is 16 GBP.¹ Depending on the exchange rate between GBP and USD, that should be around 21 USD.

To pay the UK ETA application fee, you have to use a credit or debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.³

🚨 The cards or services you use to pay the application fee might charge fees on foreign currency. They will also usually charge a markup on the mid-market exchange rate, meaning it will be higher than the rate you see on Google.

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How to apply for a UK ETA

Here’s how to complete the UK ETA application³:

Step 1. Download the “UK ETA” app or visit the UK government application website

The UK ETA app is an official app from the UK government. If you’d rather use the website, make sure the URL has .gov.uk in it.

Third-party services that offer to help you apply for an ETA will cost more and be slower.

Step 2. Start your ETA application

To complete your application, you need:

• the passport you’re going to be traveling with
• a working email address that you can access
• a credit or debit card, Google Pay, or Apple Pay

Step 3. Confirm your email address

You’ll need to provide an access code.

Step 4. Upload or take a photo of your passport

This passport will have to match what you present at the border.

Step 5. Upload or take a photo of yourself

For identification purposes, the photo has to include your whole face, have even lighting, and meet other requirements.⁴

Step 6. Answer a brief questionnaire

These questions are among the measures meant to help determine if you “pose a threat to the UK.”¹

Step 7. Pay the 16 GBP fee

This is nonrefundable even if your ETA is rejected. Check with your credit card provider or bank for fees and restrictions on foreign currency before you pay.

Once approved, your ETA will be linked to your passport.

🚨Everyone who’s traveling with you, including children, needs an ETA. You can apply for people other than yourself.

How long does it take to get a UK ETA?

Most people receive an immediate answer on their UK ETA application. But to be safe, the UK government advises that you allow 3 business days in case your application requires further review.¹

How long is my ETA valid?

Your UK ETA is good for 2 years. You can use it to enter the UK multiple times during that time period. When you enter on an ETA, you can remain for 6 months at a time.¹

If your passport expires, you’ll need to apply for another ETA that matches your new passport.¹

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Sources

1. UK Home Office blog - Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) factsheet
2. US Embassy & Consulates in Germany - Travel
3. UK Government - Get an ETA
4. UK Government - Get a passport photo

Sources checked 10/09/2025