A Guide for U.S. Travelers: Understanding the New UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

January 6, 2025 | 07:14 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - In 2024, U.S. citizens enjoyed visa-free travel to 186 destinations, highlighting the ease of international tourism. However, recent policy changes in the United Kingdom, specifically the introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), mean that U.S. passport holders will now be subject to new travel regulations.

Although it is not implemented suddenly, the procedure is being rolled out incrementally throughout 2025. This raises the important question: Do U.S. citizens need a visa for UK leisure travel? This article will examine the new UK ETA framework imposed on all visitors, drawing information from official UK government websites and Conde Nast Traveler.

Do U.S. Citizens Need a Visa for UK Visits? 

For those asking, “Can U.S. citizens travel to the UK without a visa?” the answer is becoming clearer.

The UK is working towards fully digitizing its borders by the end of 2025 and has launched its own ETA system to achieve this. Effective January 8, 2025, U.S. citizens will need digital permission for transiting through or traveling to the United Kingdom. All sorts of visits, tourism, business meetings, conferences, and short-term study for six months or less will require an ETA prior to departure, as per the U.S. Travel State Government. 

Unlike a visa, an ETA does not grant travelers entry into the UK. Instead, ETAs serve to verify travelers' identities for leisure travel to the United Kingdom.

According to the official UK government website, an ETA costs £10 and allows multiple journeys to the country for stays or visits of up to six months at a time. The travel permission is valid for two years or until the holder’s passport expires, whichever comes first.

Do U.S. Citizens Need an ETA for Layovers in the UK? 

In line with the government’s efforts to prevent the entry of individuals posing a threat to the country, the UK now requires ETAs for transit passengers. This digital authorization aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of travelers’ identities.

However, this policy regarding transit passengers is currently under review and may be subject to change. Therefore, it is crucial to stay updated on the latest news.

How to Apply for a UK ETA 

The following is a brief explanation of how to apply for travel authorization, based on information from the official UK government website:

• Download the ‘UK ETA app’ from either Google Play or Apple APP Store. 

• Pay the required fee.

• Provide contact and passport details. 

• Provide a valid photo in compliance with the standard rules for digital photos as outlined on the official UK government site.

• Answer a set of questions.

After submitting the application, applicants typically need to wait up to three working days for a decision. In some cases, a response may be received more quickly.

List of Nationalities that Can Apply for UK ETA

According to the official website of the UK government, here is the list of countries that now need to obtain the UK ETAs: 

• Bahrain

• Kuwait

• Oman

• Qatar

• Saudi Arabia

• United Arab Emirates

The following is a list of the nationalities that will be required to have a UK ETA on or after January 8, 2025:

• Antigua and Barbuda 

• Argentina

• Australia

• The Bahamas

• Barbados

• Belize

• Botswana

• Brazil

• Brunei

• Canada

• Chile

• Costa Rica

• Grenada

• Guatemala

• Guyana

• Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (including British national overseas)

• Israel

• Japan

• Kiribati

• Macao Special Administrative Region

• Malaysia

• Maldives

• Marshall Islands

• Mauritius

• Mexico

• Federated States of Micronesia

• Nauru

• New Zealand

• Nicaragua

• Palau

• Panama

• Papua New Guinea

• Paraguay

• Peru

• Samoa

• Seychelles

• Singapore

• Solomon Islands

• South Korea

• St Kitts and Nevis

• St Lucia

• St Vincent and the Grenadines

• Taiwan (if you have a passport issued by Taiwan that includes in it the number of the identification card issued by the competent authority in Taiwan)

• Tonga

• Trinidad and Tobago

• Tuvalu

• United States

• Uruguay

List of countries that can travel with the UK ETA from April 2, 2025: 

• Andorra

• Austria

• Belgium

• Bulgaria

• Croatia

• Cyprus

• Czechia

• Denmark

• Estonia

• Finland

• France

• Germany

• Greece

• Hungary

• Iceland

• Italy

• Latvia

• Liechtenstein

• Lithuania

• Luxembourg

• Malta

• Monaco

• Netherlands

• Norway

• Poland

• Portugal

• Romania

• San Marino

• Slovakia

• Slovenia

• Spain

• Sweden

• Switzerland

• Vatican City

While U.S. citizens do not require a traditional visa for UK visits, they must secure an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) starting January 8, 2025. This digital permission streamlines the travel process while supporting the UK’s goal to fully digitize its borders.

Editor’s Choice: 10 Best Places to Travel in January for American Travelers

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