ETA UK for US Citizens: What Americans Need to Know
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Do you need an ETA UK for US citizens? Yes. Since January 2025, Americans who visit the United Kingdom without a visa must hold an electronic travel authorisation. This guide covers the rules, the cost and the steps.
Is an ETA required for American travellers?
For a holiday, a family visit, a business meeting or a short course of up to 6 months, an ETA UK for US citizens replaces the old habit of simply showing up with a passport. The authorisation is checked electronically before you board a plane, a ferry or a train, so without it you will not be able to travel.
The rule is the same for adults, children and babies. Every traveller needs an individual authorisation, and each one is linked to a single passport. A US passport eta uk record is created at the time of approval, and the airline reads it automatically.
ETA UK for Americans: validity and conditions
Once approved, the ETA UK for Americans is valid for 2 years, or until the passport expires if that happens sooner. It allows multiple entries, each for a stay of up to 6 months. It is not a visa: it does not allow you to work or to settle, and the border officer can still refuse entry on arrival.
| Who | US citizens travelling on a US passport |
|---|---|
| Validity | 2 years, or until passport expiry |
| Stay per entry | Up to 6 months |
| Decision | Usually within a day, up to 3 working days |
| Our price | From €83 per traveller, £20 government fee included |
Americans who hold an old US passport that expires soon should renew it first. A new passport means a new authorisation, so it is better to apply with the document you will keep.
How to apply with a US passport
- Prepare your US passport, a recent photo, an e-mail address and a phone number. A US passport ETA UK authorisation is stored electronically, so you do not need to print anything.
- Fill in the form with your details exactly as printed on the passport.
- Answer the security questions honestly.
- Pay by card and wait for the decision by e-mail.
Apply at least three working days before your flight, and keep a note of the US passport ETA UK confirmation e-mail. An application cannot be edited once it is sent, which is why we check every file before submission. You can start on the ETA UK home page. If you prefer to go direct, the government route costs £20 at gov.uk/eta/apply.
Cost for American travellers
The ETA UK for Americans costs the same as for any other nationality. The government fee is £20 per person, which rose from £16 on 8 April 2026. With our assistance service the price is a single €83 per traveller, with the fee included, the check of your file, support during the validity period and a free duplicate. For a family of four, the total is 4 × €83 = €332. Assistance is optional and a direct application remains available.
Connecting flights and other common situations
If you only change planes airside in London Heathrow or Manchester, read the ETA UK transit page: no ETA is needed unless you pass through border control. Americans travelling with children should also read about the ETA UK for children. If your application is not accepted, see what to do when an ETA UK is rejected.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an ETA UK for US citizens who hold dual nationality?
US citizens who are also British or Irish do not need an ETA, but must prove their status, for example with a British passport. Others apply with the passport they will use.
Is the ETA UK for Americans valid for work?
No. It covers tourism, family visits, short business activities and short courses. Work or long stays need a visa.
Can I use my ETA in Scotland and Wales?
Yes. It covers England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
How long before my flight should I apply?
Most decisions arrive within a day, but allow at least three working days.
Does a US passport eta uk record work with a new passport?
No. The ETA is tied to one passport. After renewal, apply again.