Beginning January 8, 2025, U.S. passport holders traveling to the United Kingdom will need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before entering the country. This requirement applies to all visa-free nationals visiting for up to six months who do not need a visa.
The ETA system also extends to creative workers relying on the Creative Worker Visa concession for visits of three months or less. Applications for the ETA can be completed online or through the official ETA app, requiring basic personal information, passport details, and a photograph. The application fee is £10.
An ETA is valid for two years or until the applicant’s passport expires, whichever comes first, and allows multiple trips to the UK. Visitors with an ETA can engage in tourism, business, or short-term studies for up to six months per visit.
“After you apply, you will get an email confirming you have got an ETA. It will be linked to the passport you applied with. Your ETA lasts for two years. You can travel to the UK as many times as you want during that time. If you get a new passport, you will need to get a new ETA,” stated the guidance published on the UK.gov website.
ETA applications can potentially take up to three days to process, and there is no appeal mechanism if an application is refused (necessitating either a new ETA application or a separate visa application).
“You will usually get a decision within three working days, but you may get a quicker decision. Occasionally, it may take longer than three working days,” the UK government website states.
Each person must apply separately, and you may get a decision at a different time from others in your group, even if you applied at the same time, according to the UK government ETA website. “You must apply for an ETA before you travel to the UK. You can travel to the UK while waiting for a decision,” warns the UK government.
US embassies and consulates in the UK have also published a notice to alert US citizens who are traveling to the UK starting January 8, 2025.
Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
