Starting January 8, 2025, U.S. citizens traveling to the United Kingdom for short visits, tourism, or business will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) if they do not have a UK visa or legal residency in the UK or the Republic of Ireland. This requirement also applies to those transiting through UK airports and extends to all parts of the UK, including Northern Ireland and British Overseas Territories. The ETA is akin to the U.S. ESTA system and serves as a pre-clearance for travel as part of the UK's transition towards a digital border system.
An Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) may take up to three working days to process and costs £10 ($12.75). It is required for travelers of all ages and is valid for two years or until the passport's validity expires, whichever comes first. Importantly, obtaining an ETA does not require providing travel details.
Travelers who already possess a visa, an exempt vignette, or hold a British or Irish passport are exempt from needing an ETA. Other nationalities that typically require a visa to visit the UK must continue doing so and should not apply for an ETA.
For further information and applications for an ETA, individuals can visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta.
Assistance is available through State Department – Consular Affairs at 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444. Travelers are encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates and follow relevant updates on Facebook and Twitter.