Traveling to the UK just got simpler. The United Kingdom has introduced a new digital travel permit, called Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). For U.S. citizens, this is now mandatory for travel to the UK.
Think of it like the ESTA program for visiting the United States. It's a quick, online pre-screening that links directly to your passport, helping to streamline your arrival at the UK border. This guide eliminates the hassle and provides you with the facts you need to obtain your UK ETA quickly and accurately.
On This Page
- What is a UK ETA?
- Do I Need a UK ETA?
- Applying for Your ETA: Direct vs. Assisted
- The Official UK ETA Process: A 3-Step Guide
- Beyond the ETA: Other UK Entry Requirements
- UK ETA Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a UK ETA?
A UK ETA is a digital permit to travel to the United Kingdom. It is not a visa. It confirms you are eligible to travel to the UK for short stays, such as tourism, business, or visiting family. Once approved, it is electronically attached to your U.S. passport.
Do I Need a UK ETA?
As a U.S. citizen, yes, you will need a UK ETA for short visits to England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
You must get a UK ETA if you are:
- Traveling for tourism, family visits, business meetings, or short-term study for up to 6 months.
- Transiting through a UK airport, where you need to pass through border control.
Note: You do not need a UK ETA if you already have a valid UK visa or hold a British or Irish passport. Every foreign traveler, including children and infants, must have their own individual UK ETA.
Applying for Your ETA: Direct vs. Assisted
When it comes to getting your UK ETA, you have a choice in how you apply. It's important to know that the official processing time set by the UK government is the same for all applications and cannot be expedited. The difference lies in the application experience itself.
- Applying Directly (DIY): For travelers comfortable navigating government websites and forms, applying directly through the official UK portal is the most cost-effective method.
- Using an Assisted Service (iVisa): For travelers who prefer to save time and have complete confidence that their application is error-free, a dedicated service is a great option. iVisa simplifies the process with a clear interface and provides an expert review of your application before it's submitted. This helps eliminate common mistakes that could lead to delays or denial. You also get 24/7 multilingual support, flexible payment options, and the ability to manage documents for hundreds of destinations worldwide.
The Official UK ETA Process: A 3-Step Guide
If you choose to apply directly on your own, the official UK government process is designed to be fast and user-friendly. The easiest way to apply is through the official ‘UK ETA’ app on your smartphone.
| Official Gov. Fee: | £16 GBP (approx. $20 USD, non-refundable) |
| Validity: | 2 Years (or until your passport expires) |
| Use: | Multiple entries are permitted during its validity. |
Step 1: Get Your Information Ready
- Your valid U.S. passport
- An active email address
- A credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay for the fee
Step 2: Complete the Online Application
- Download the ‘UK ETA’ app (from the Apple App Store or Google Play) or use the GOV.UK website.
- Scan your U.S. passport using your phone’s camera.
- Scan the chip in your passport using your phone's NFC (contactless) capability.
- Take a photo of yourself (a selfie).
- Answer a few straightforward questions about your travel history and background.
Step 3: Submit and Receive Your UK ETA
- Pay the non-refundable £16 fee ($20 USD).
- Double-check all your information for accuracy. You cannot make any changes to your application once submitted.
- Submit your application.
- Once approved, you will receive a confirmation email.
- Keep in mind that decisions are typically made within 3 business days, though many applicants receive a response in just a few hours.
- Your approved UK ETA is digitally linked to your passport. There is no need to print or carry anything.
Beyond the ETA: Other UK Entry Requirements
Your approved UK ETA permits you to travel to England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, but you still need to meet the standard entry requirements at the border. Be prepared to show:
- Valid Passport: Your U.S. passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay.
- Proof of Funds: Evidence that you can financially support yourself during your trip (e.g., bank statements).
- Onward Travel/Return Home: Proof that you intend to leave the UK at the end of your visit (e.g., a return flight confirmation).
UK ETA Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
No. An ETA is not a visa because it only gives permission to travel to a country, not to enter or stay there. It’s a quick online pre-screening for short visits, while a visa is an official entry document granted after a formal application and review.
If your application is denied, you cannot appeal. You will need to apply for a formal UK Visitor Visa if you still wish to travel.
Only if you need to pass through UK border control ("landside"). If you are staying "airside" and not officially entering the country, you do not need an ETA. To be safe, check with your airline if you are unsure.
No. Once submitted, your application cannot be edited. You will need to submit a new application and pay the fee again. This is why it's crucial to double-check all information for accuracy before submitting.
Your passport only needs to be valid for the duration of your stay in the UK. There is no six-month validity rule. That said, if you plan to travel to other European countries after the UK (e.g., France, Italy, Spain), be aware that the Schengen Area requires your passport to be valid for at least 3 to 6 months beyond your departure date. It’s always best to keep at least 6 months of validity on your passport to avoid being denied entry to countries with similar requirements.
Apply for your UK ETA quickly and securely with iVisa. Save your application and continue anytime, enjoy expert review, 24/7 multilingual support, flexible payment options, and coverage for hundreds of destinations worldwide.
