ETA Requirements for U.S. Citizens

An electronic travel authorization (ETA) is digital permission to travel to a country without first obtaining a visitor visa. The name and rules vary by destination: Australia uses ETA, Canada uses eTA, New Zealand uses NZeTA, and Europe will use ETIAS. Approval allows you to travel to the border, but it does not guarantee admission.

U.S. passport holders now need an ETA for several popular destinations, including Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Kenya. Canada does not require an eTA from U.S. citizens or U.S. lawful permanent residents. Europe’s ETIAS is not operating yet and is expected to begin in the last quarter of 2026.

Check the requirement well before departure. Airlines may refuse boarding when a required authorization is missing, and official processing times vary by country.

This guide compares current requirements, government fees, validity periods, official application routes, and optional paid assistance for U.S. travelers.

How electronic travel authorizations work

Each program has its own rules, but most applications ask for the passport you will use, contact information, travel details, and payment. Some also require a passport scan or a recent photo.

Use the same passport for the application and the trip

An ETA is linked to the passport used in the application. If that passport is renewed, replaced, lost, or stolen, a new authorization is usually required.

Passport-validity rules also differ by destination. Do not assume every country uses the same ones. Many countries have a six-month passport validity rule that requires your passport to be valid beyond the dates of your trip.

Enter passport details exactly as shown

Names, passport numbers, dates, and nationality must match the passport. An error can delay the application, cause a refusal, or create a mismatch when the airline checks the authorization.

Apply before travel day

Some applications are approved quickly, but official guidance varies. The United Kingdom says to allow up to three working days, New Zealand says to allow 72 hours, and Kenya recommends applying at least two weeks before travel. Leave time to correct an error or provide additional information.

Apply through the government or use a professional travel document service

The official government application is the lowest-cost option and is usually the best choice for travelers who are comfortable completing the form or app themselves. The fees listed on this page are government fees unless otherwise noted.

Third-party providers such as iVisa charge an additional service fee. They can provide application support, but they do not issue the authorization, cannot guarantee approval, and cannot override government processing times. For example, the United Kingdom specifically states that applying through another website or app does not produce a faster decision.

ETA requirements for popular destinations

The following requirements apply to travelers using a U.S. passport unless otherwise stated.

Australia ETA (Subclass 601)

U.S. passport holders need an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) before traveling to Australia for short tourism or business visits. The ETA generally permits multiple visits during a 12-month validity period, with stays of up to three months per visit.

Eligible travelers apply through the official Australian ETA mobile app. Australia does not charge a visa application fee for this ETA, but the app has an AUD 20 service fee. Applicants must be outside Australia when they apply and when the ETA is granted.

See our Australia ETA guide for U.S. citizens, or review the official Australian ETA requirements.

Canada eTA and Advance Declaration

U.S. citizens do not need a Canadian eTA when traveling with a valid U.S. passport. U.S. lawful permanent residents also do not need an eTA; when flying, they must carry a valid passport from their country of nationality and a valid Green Card or other accepted proof of U.S. permanent resident status.

Travelers arriving by air at a participating Canadian airport can optionally submit an Advance Declaration through ArriveCAN up to 72 hours before arrival. The official service is free and provides access to Advance Declaration express lanes where available.

Read our Canada eTA guidelines or get application help through iVisa.

New Zealand NZeTA

U.S. passport holders need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before traveling to New Zealand. It is valid for two years and can be used for multiple trips. Most U.S. visitors may stay for up to three months per visit, subject to New Zealand’s overall stay limits.

The government fee is NZD 17 through the official app or NZD 23 through the website. Most travelers must also pay the NZD 100 International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). New Zealand advises travelers to allow 72 hours for processing.

See our New Zealand ETA guide for U.S. citizens or apply with expert help through iVisa.

United Kingdom ETA

U.S. citizens need a United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorisation before traveling to the UK for a short visit. The ETA costs £20 and is valid for two years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. It permits multiple trips, generally for stays of up to six months at a time.

The UK says decisions usually arrive within one day, but travelers should allow up to three working days. The ETA must be approved before travel.

Read our UK ETA guide for U.S. citizens or apply now through iVisa.

Europe ETIAS

ETIAS is not yet required. The European Union expects the European Travel Information and Authorisation System to begin operating in the last quarter of 2026. Travelers should not apply until the EU announces that the official system is open.

Once active, ETIAS is expected to cost €20 and remain valid for three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. It will not change the Schengen Area limit of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Follow our ETIAS guide for U.S. citizens or check the official European Union ETIAS website for launch updates.

South Korea K-ETA

U.S. passport holders are temporarily exempt from the South Korea K-ETA requirement through December 31, 2026. During the exemption, travelers may still apply voluntarily.

A voluntary K-ETA costs KRW 10,000 plus the online payment fee and is valid for three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. Travelers with an approved K-ETA do not need to submit a separate arrival card. The official K-ETA service does not offer expedited processing.

Use the official K-ETA website or submit your application with help from iVisa.

Kenya eTA

Most U.S. travelers need an approved Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation before departure. Standard processing starts at USD 30 and is generally completed within 72 hours, but the Kenyan government recommends applying at least two weeks before travel.

The application normally requires a passport valid for at least six months with one blank page, a photo, contact information, travel itinerary, accommodation details, and payment information. Additional documents may be required based on the purpose of travel.

Apply through the official Kenya eTA website or submit through iVisa for added peace of mind.

Arrival forms that are not ETAs

Some destinations use digital arrival or customs forms rather than an ETA. These forms do not replace a visa or travel authorization when one is required.

• Singapore SG Arrival Card: Most travelers must submit the free SG Arrival Card within three days before arrival, including the arrival day. Travelers transiting without clearing immigration are among the exceptions. Use the official free SG Arrival Card service, or get application support through iVisa.
• Japan Visit Japan Web: Visit Japan Web is an optional government service for completing immigration and customs procedures online. The official service is free. Go to the official Visit Japan Web service.