Planning a Trip to the UK? The ETA is here!
Planning a trip to England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland? Then, read on!
As of January 8, 2025, all United States visitors (and several other countries) to the U.K. will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
What is an ETA and how do I get one?
An ETA is a document, kept in an app on your phone, that will allow you to enter the U.K. without a visa. If you already have a visa to live or work in the U.K., you won't need to apply for an ETA. But if you are planning a trip to the United Kingdom, or even if you have a travel connection through the U.K., you will need to apply.
As of November 27, 2024 United States citizens can start applying for an ETA. All persons, even children and babies, will need to have one.
To apply, you will need to upload a photo of your passport as well as a photo of yourself on the U.K. government app. The cost is £10 (about $13), which you can pay by credit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.
According to the gov.UK website, approval should take about three days, sometimes less, and you'll find your approval in the email you provide. Your ETA will allow passage into and through the United Kingdom for two years.
Why is this necessary?
According to the United Kingdom government, “The scheme will give the U.K. more control of our borders, allowing us to block threats from entering the U.K., whilst also providing individuals, and carriers, with more assurance at an earlier point in time about their ability to travel to the U.K.” It is also supposed to speed up the border control process.
For full details, including a link to download the app, go to the U.K. government's ETA information page.
What about the European Union?
Good question! The EU is also supposed to launch a similar program, called the ETIAS, sometime in the middle of 2025, however they are not taking applications yet. Definitely keep checking their website for updates.
How will this affect my travel plans for 2025?
Don’t worry! This is a minor hurdle that shouldn’t take too much of your time and really isn’t very expensive. It shouldn’t affect your trip much in the long run, and soon we will all get used to having the necessary documents before we head out on our trips. Just stay aware by checking each of the websites regularly.
As always, be sure to check the travel restrictions and requirements before you go to any country.
P.S. You might not know this, but the United States has had a similar program in place since 2008. All’s fair, I guess.
