
New U.K. Entry Rules for U.S. Citizens
Additional electronic authorization step required
-By Charles Givens
January 8, 2025
U.S. citizens traveling to the United Kingdom for short visits, tourism or business, including those transiting through U.K. airports will require an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) starting today, January 8, 2025. A similar program for countries in the European Union began in October 2024.

This new rule applies to all parts of the U.K., including Northern Ireland and British Overseas Territories. Travelers with a valid U.K. visa, legal residency in the U.K. or Republic of Ireland or a British or Irish passport are exempt.
Similar to the U.S. ESTA system, the ETA acts as a pre-clearance for travel and is part of the U.K.’s transition to a digital border system. More information, including how to apply for an ETA, can be submitted online via the official U.K. government website.
The ETA application may take up to three business days to process and costs approximately $12.75 (or £10). The authorization is required for travelers of all ages and is valid for two years or the remaining validity of the traveler’s passport, whichever is shorter. Travel details are not required for an ETA application.
Those who ordinarily require a visa to visit the U.K. should continue the standard visa application process and not apply for an ETA.
