Great news! More bureaucracy!

As of January 2025, visitors from the United States now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before entering the UK. This new system is designed to enhance border security and streamline entry processes, and while it’s relatively straightforward it still adds another small twist to the—already complex—immigration labyrinth.

So here’s what you need to know about the ETA and how it will affect travel between the UK and the US.

What is the ETA?

The ETA (electronic travel authorisation) is a digital authorisation that pretty much all non-UK citizens must obtain before traveling to the UK. It is not a visa, but it functions as a pre-travel security check, ensuring that all visitors have been screened before they arrive.

While it grants permission to travel, it does not guarantee entry—UK Border Force officers will still have the final say at passport control.

The ETA is part of the UK’s efforts to modernise its border policies, bringing it in line with similar systems like the US ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) and the EU’s upcoming ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System).

Who Needs One?

US citizens planning to visit the UK for a short stay—whether for tourism, business, or simply passing through—will need to apply for an ETA. This includes:

• Holidaymakers visiting the UK for leisure (if not the weather).
• Business travelers attending meetings or conferences.
• Transit passengers passing through a UK airport, even if they don’t leave the terminal.

However, there are exceptions.

• US citizens who already hold a UK visa or residency permit do not need an ETA. Diplomats and certain government officials traveling for official business may also be exempt—perks of the job.

• Dual citizens who hold both US and UK/Irish passports are also exempt.

• Additionally, citizens from countries that already require a visa to enter the UK will not be eligible to apply for an ETA. The authorisation is only applicable to visa-exempt travellers.

How to Apply for an ETA

The application process is designed to be straightforward and fully digital. Here’s how US visitors can obtain their ETA:

1. Apply Online – Download the app which is available through the official UK government website.
2. Provide Personal and Travel Details – Applicants will need to enter basic information, including passport details, photo and travel plans.
3. Answer Security Questions – This includes background checks related to criminal history and previous travel records.
4. Pay the Application Fee – The ETA costs £10 per applicant—about the price of a pint in London these days, if you’re lucky…
5. Wait for Approval – Most applications should be processed well within 3 working days, but travellers are advised to apply well in advance of their trip. Best not to leave it to the last minute, unless you enjoy a bit of pre-flight panic.

Note for those with travelling with families: everyone in the group needs to get an ETA, including babies and small children. You are allowed to apply for others, but keep in mind each application is made individually and they may be approved at different times.

Once granted, an ETA is valid for multiple visits over a period of two years, with each stay limited to a maximum of six months.

Can You Travel to the UK Without an ETA?

The rules state that you must have applied for an ETA before entering the UK, but they also state that, if you need to travel soon, you ‘can’ travel to the UK while waiting for a decision. Obviously we recommend doing it well in advance and getting that comfortable feeling of a trip-well-planned.

Final Thoughts

So yes, more glorious bureaucracy.

But at the end of the day it’s a small step involving a simple online application and a modest fee, so no excuse not to do it well in advance. Don’t be that person frantically searching “do I need an ETA for the UK?” at the airport check-in desk…