UK ETA
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Verified UK ETA for American travelers
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What is a UK ETA for Americans?

American citizens now need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to travel to the United Kingdom. It replaced the old visa waiver for US passport holders and is required for tourism, business visits, and transit through the UK.

Your UK ETA is linked electronically to your US passport and is valid for multiple trips over 2 years, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first. Each visit can last up to 6 months.

The ETA does not guarantee entry — a Border Force officer will make the final decision on arrival.

ETA at a glance

CostCalculated at checkoutValidity2 years or passport expiryMax stay6 months per visitEntriesMultipleProcessingAs fast as 1 hour
1M+Applications processed
1hrFastest processing
24/7Customer support
GDPRData compliant

UK ETA vs UK Visa — What Do Americans Need?

Most US citizens travelling to the UK need an ETA, not a full UK visa. Here is the difference:

Most travelers

UK ETA — for most American travelers

The UK ETA is the standard entry authorisation for US passport holders visiting England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland for short stays.

  • Approved in hours, not weeks
  • No embassy appointment required
  • Arrives by email. No printing needed
  • Valid for tourism, business visits, and transit
  • Apply for your whole group in one submission
Long-term & specialised

UK Visa — for longer stays or special purposes

A UK visa application is required for Americans planning to stay longer than 6 months or travelling for study, work, or settlement.

  • Required for stays beyond 6 months
  • Covers study, employment, and settlement
  • Full uk visa guidance available

How to Apply for Your UK ETA as a US Citizen — 5 Simple Steps

1

Select US as your nationality and enter your travel dates

We confirm your eligibility and calculate the exact fee before you enter any personal details

2

Enter your US passport information exactly as it appears

Our form flags errors in real time so nothing gets missed

3

Choose Standard, Rush (4 hours), or Super Rush (1 hour)

Government fee and service fee are shown separately at checkout

4

A specialist reviews your application

Our experts review and submit it to the UK Home Office on your behalf

5

Your UK ETA arrives in your inbox No printing required.

It is linked electronically to your US passport.

Rush processing

Travelling soon? Select Rush or Super Rush at checkout.

  • Rush: approved within 4 hours
  • Super Rush: approved within 1 hour

Do American Citizens Need a UK ETA?

Yes. As of 2024, US passport holders must obtain a UK ETA before travelling to the United Kingdom. You need one if you plan to:

  • Visit the UK as a tourist
  • Visit family or friends in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland
  • Transit through the UK
  • Attend business meetings or conferences
  • Study for up to 6 months

Requirements checklist for US applicants

  • Valid US passport covering the full duration of your trip
  • Your arrival date (approximate is fine)
  • Email address for your confirmation
  • Payment card for the government fee and service charge
  • 10 minutes
!

British and Irish citizens do not need an ETA. EU citizens may need to check their specific requirements.

Eligible countries include

AmericasUSA, Canada, Brazil, MexicoAsia-PacificAustralia, New Zealand, Japan, SingaporeMiddle EastIsrael, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, KuwaitEuropeFrance, Germany, Spain, NetherlandsAfricaSouth Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana

UK ETA Frequently Asked Questions for American Travelers

Do US citizens need a visa to visit the UK?
No. American citizens do not need a traditional UK visa for short visits. Since 2024, US passport holders are required to get a UK ETA instead. It is faster, fully online, and approved in hours.
What is a UK ETA for Americans?
A UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital travel permission linked to your US passport. It allows multiple entries to the UK over 2 years, with each stay up to 6 months.
How long does a UK ETA take for US citizens?
Standard processing is completed the same day. Rush processing takes 4 hours. Super Rush is approved within 1 hour.
What is the difference between a UK ETA and a UK visa?
An ETA is for short stays and is available to US passport holders online with no embassy visit. A UK visa is required for longer stays, work, or study.
Can I apply for a UK ETA with a US passport?
Yes. US passport holders are eligible to apply for a UK ETA online. You do not need to visit an embassy or consulate.
Do I need to print my UK ETA?
No. Your UK ETA is linked electronically to your passport. No printed document is required.

Still have questions?

Our support team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

+44 7520 642121

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