The United Kingdom will require travelers to obtain a new electronic travel authorization (ETA) to enter the country starting in January, per the U.K. government.
This requirement applies to all visitors (regardless of age) who can travel there visa-free, including Americans. This requirement has been in place for visitors from the Gulf Cooperation Council states since early 2024.
As of Jan. 8, 2025, this will apply to travelers from the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, South Korea and others — the requirement will expand to the rest of the EU in April.
Americans and other nationalities can begin applying for an ETA starting Nov. 27, 2024, for travel beginning Jan. 8, 2025.
“ETAs will be a requirement worldwide for visitors who do not need a visa for short stays, including those visiting from Europe,” the Home Office said in a statement to TPG. “Visitors from Europe and other nations such as America and Australia do not currently need to make any form of application to visit the U.K. However, this will be changing with the introduction of ETAs.”
Because the ETA is not a visa, Europeans and other visa-free travelers, including those from the U.S., will maintain their visa-free status but will still need an ETA to cross the U.K. border upon implementation.
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An ETA will cost 10 pounds ($13) and be valid for multiple entries of up to six months over a two-year period. Travelers must apply for an ETA online before they travel, and will be required to upload a photo. Per U.K. officials, it will take up to three business days to obtain.
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