04/11/2024
US travelers planning to make their way to the UK in the new year will need to apply for an ETA, i.e. an Electronic travel Authorization, prior to their departure.
Starting January 8, 2025, citizens of nearly 50 countries, including Australia, Canada, and the United States, will need to have an ETA to travel to the UK, which includes England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. The introduction of the ETA scheme is meant to strengthen security at the UK border.
Applying for an ETA is a simple process than can be done online or via the UK ETA app starting November 27, 2024. The cost of applying for an ETA is £10 (around $13), which is payable online via credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.
To apply for the UK ETA, you need to have your passport handy, as well as access to your emails. During the process you’ll be required to either take a picture of your face or upload a recent picture. You may also be asked to scan your face with your device’s camera.
Travelers cannot purchase an ETA on arrival or apply for an ETA while en route to the UK. You’ll be required to provide your ETA or ETA number upon checking in for your flight to the UK and, without one, you’ll be denied boarding.
It takes around three days, sometimes more, to process an ETA application, so do not leave it to the last minute.
The UK ETA is valid for two years (or until your passport expires) and allows for unlimited entries. Remember that once granted entry in the UK by a border agent, US citizens can travel in the country for a maximum of six months.
The ETA is a similar system to the ESTA, the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, that all travelers from visa-waiver countries (except Canadians) have been needing to enter the United States since 2008. Canada has had such a system, the eTA, since 2016.
Starting in 2025, but without any set date at the time of writing, US travelers will also be required to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) to enter 30 European countries, including Italy, France, Iceland, Portugal, and more. Applying for an ETIAS will be done via the ETIAS website or mobile app and cost €7 (around $7.60). The ETIAS will be valid for three years (or until your passport expires) before needing to be renewed. ETIAS will allow for unlimited entries in the 30 countries concerned.
