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United States citizens now require a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation

UK ETA Application
Your Passport
Purpose of travel
Number of Travelers
Apply for UK ETA

The UK ETA is part of UK entry requirements for visits of up to 6 months for tourism, business, study, or transit. An authorisation is valid for 2 years from the date of issue.

Requirements to apply for a UK ETA

Have these three things ready before you start.

A valid passport

Your passport must be valid on the date you travel. We accept passports from all ETA-eligible countries, including the United States and Canada.

Your personal details

Full name, date of birth, contact details, and approximate travel date. Enter your details exactly as they appear on your passport.

A digital photo

A clear photo of your face. You can upload one taken within the last 6 months, or take a new photo during the application process. Guidelines are shown when you reach that step.

Who can apply for a UK ETA

All UK ETA applicants must meet the following criteria.

  1. Eligible nationality

    You hold a passport from a country that takes part in the UK ETA scheme, including the United States and Canada.

  2. Short visit only

    Your stay is up to 6 months for tourism, business, study, or transit. The ETA does not cover work or longer stays.

  3. Valid travel document

    You'll travel on the same passport you apply with. The ETA is linked to that passport number and cannot be transferred.

  4. No recent refusals or convictions

    You have not been refused entry to the UK and have no serious criminal convictions in the UK or any other country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. From 8 January 2025, US and Canadian citizens must hold a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling to the UK for tourism, business, study, or transit visits of up to 6 months. Apply here
Yes. London is part of the United Kingdom, so the UK ETA requirement applies to all UK destinations, including London, Edinburgh, Manchester, and Belfast. You must have an approved ETA before you travel. Apply here
Yes. From 8 January 2025, all US and Canadian citizens need a UK ETA for tourism, business, study, or transit visits of up to 6 months. The ETA is linked to your passport and you will not be granted entry to the UK without one. Apply here
A UK ETA is valid for 2 years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You can use it for multiple visits during that time. An ETA covers stays up to 6 months at a time. Apply here
Applications are made online. You'll need a valid passport, your contact details, your approximate travel date, and a recent digital photo. The process is fully electronic and your authorisation is issued by email once approved. Apply here
Most decisions arrive by email within an hour. We advise allowing up to 3 working days. You must wait for the confirmation email before you travel. Apply here
Yes. You can apply for a UK ETA on behalf of another traveler. For example, a spouse, child, parent, or fellow group member. Every traveler needs their own ETA, including children and babies, since the authorization is linked to each individual passport. Apply here
To apply for someone else's UK ETA, have the following ready before you start:

• A clear photo of their biometric passport
• A recent photo of their face (head and shoulders, plain background, neutral expression)
• Their personal details: full name, date of birth, nationality, address, and employment
• Answers to the eligibility questions on their behalf, including any criminal history
• For applicants under 18, contact details for a parent or legal guardian

Apply here