Since January 2025, U.S. passport holders have been required to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before entering the United Kingdom. Now, the UK government has announced that the fee for applying for the ETA will increase by 60%.
This mandate, part of the UK’s digital border system, initially applied to airside transit passengers at Heathrow and Manchester Airports. However, a temporary exemption was introduced on January 16, 2025, meaning U.S. citizens connecting flights at these locations no longer need an ETA if they remain within the airport’s transit area.
The ETA, similar to the U.S. ESTA system, is a digital permit linked to the traveler’s passport, valid for two years or until the passport expires. This allows multiple entries to the UK.
The fee increase reflects adjustments to border security funding and operational costs and applies to all eligible non-European nationals requiring an ETA. Exemptions remain for those with UK visas, British or Irish passports, legal residency in the UK or Ireland, and certain groups like Hong Kong BN(O) passport holders.
The ETA requirement, phased in starting with Gulf Cooperation Council countries in 2024, expanded to most non-EU/EEA nations, including the U.S., in January 2025, and will become mandatory for European visitors on April 2, 2025. This phased implementation aims to enhance border security while maintaining ease of travel for visa-free nationals.
The application process, accessible via the UK government’s website or the UK ETA app, requires a passport photo, personal details, and payment via credit/debit card or digital wallets. Most approvals are granted within three working days, though some receive decisions faster. Children and infants also require individual ETAs, and the fee is non-refundable.
Travelers are advised to apply well in advance, as the ETA is digitally linked to the passport used for application. A new passport necessitates a new ETA.
The ETA system also includes creative workers using the Creative Worker Visa concession for visits of up to three months.
“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,” states the UK government website.
Processing times for ETA applications can take up to three days, though some may be completed sooner. If an application is refused, there is no appeal mechanism, requiring a new ETA or visa application. Applicants are advised to apply well in advance and separately for each individual, as decisions may vary even for group applications.
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Susan Shrestha
View More PostsSusan Shrestha covers a wide range of topics, from local matters to global affairs.
