PASSPORTOFFICES
Electronic travel authorization · Europe

United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorisation (UK ETA)

U.S. citizens do not need a UK visa for visits of up to six months, but they must hold an approved UK ETA before boarding.

Official application site Check my requirements

Short answer

Who needs the UK ETA?

Every U.S. citizen traveling to England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland for tourism, business, study under six months, or transit through a UK airport where you pass border control.

Key takeaways

  • Government fee: about $20. Charged in GBP by the UK Home Office; the dollar amount varies with the exchange rate.
  • Typical processing: Most decisions arrive within minutes to three working days. Apply at least three days before departure.
  • Maximum stay: Up to six months per visit.
  • Passport validity: Valid for the duration of your stay. No six-month buffer is required.
  • When to apply: Any time before travel; the ETA is tied to the passport you apply with.

Forms and official links

  • UK ETA

    Apply on GOV.UK or the UK ETA app

    Only apply on gov.uk — third-party sites charge markups for the same application.

    Open the official form

Step by step

  1. 1

    Check your passport

    The ETA is tied to a specific passport. If you renew before the trip, you must apply again on the new passport.

  2. 2

    Apply on GOV.UK

    Use the official UK ETA app or gov.uk. You scan the passport chip, take a photo and answer a short suitability questionnaire.

  3. 3

    Wait for the decision email

    Approval is usually near-instant but can take up to three working days. There is no paper document — approval is linked to your passport electronically.

  4. 4

    Travel

    Carry the same passport you applied with. Airlines verify the ETA at check-in.

What to have ready

  • A valid U.S. passport book (the ETA is linked to that exact passport number)
  • A digital passport-style photo taken during the application
  • A payment card for the government fee
  • Your accommodation or contact details in the UK

Watch out for

  • A renewed passport voids the ETA — reapply on the new book.
  • Transit passengers who clear UK border control need an ETA even if they never leave the airport city.

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