Visiting the United Kingdom soon? New ETA, visa rules might apply to you

Don’t feel like reading, and want to see whether or not you need a visa or ETA? You can do a quick check by clicking here!

After a formal announcement early last year, the United Kingdom is now buckling down on requiring electronic travel authorisations (ETA) or visas for the vast majority of travelers coming into the country. Rather than a visa, however, it’s an ETA that’s now typically required for travelers hailing from the United States, Australia, Canada, and select other countries.

An American passport. Undated U.S. Department of State photo.

How to apply

To obtain an ETA, you can use the UK ETA app or visit the official UK government website.

Each ETA is 20 pound, or a little less than $30 as of press time; you might notice that this is an increase from the fee of approximately $12.75 that was published in early 2025. Aside from payment, all you need is your passport, an email address. Credit and debit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay are accepted for the application fee.

United Kingdom officials have emphasized that the process for applying for an ETC is simple and quick. The British government also warns against using third-party websites, as they not only may charge more for standard services but could be looking to steal your personal data. It says as well that “[y]ou cannot get a faster decision by applying through another website or app.”

An ETA is valid for two years or until a traveler’s passport expires – whichever comes first – and can be used for visits of up to six months each of visa-free travel, including but not limited to tourism and family visits. Each traveler, even infants and toddlers, needs their own personal ETA.

If you have a UK visa, formal permission to work or study in the country, or a British territories passport, you are among those who are exempt from the ETA requirement. If you are a British or Irish citizen, you do not need an ETA, presuming you can present an eligible passport or certificate of entitlement for entry. You can see a full list of exemptions here.

Information about standard visitor visas can also be found on the official British government website.

Notes for American tourists

If you are an American visiting the UK solely for tourism purposes, and declaring as such, there are additional limitations to what you are allowed to do while overseas. These include but are not limited to the following:

• Doing paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed individual

• Claiming public funds or benefits provided by the UK

• Living in the UK for lengthy periods of time

• Marrying, or registering or giving notice of a civil partnership or marriage (requires marriage visa)

Among the things you’ll need at the border are a a valid passport or travel document, valid for the entirety of your stay in the UK. You can learn more about passport renewal and replacement on the United States’ government website.

According to the UK government, you may also be asked to prove that you’re visiting only for tourism, you’re able to support yourself and dependents throughout your trip and for your exit, you’ve already booked accommodations for while you’re visiting, and you’ll leave the UK when your trip is complete.

The rules vary depending on where you’re traveling from, so be sure to review policies well ahead of your planned travel. You can use this official, quick, online content-fill form to check whether or not you need a visa or ETA, and what other requirements may apply to you.

- AC