U.S. travelers with plans to head to the U.K. next year must now get a new authorization.
Starting January 8th, 2025, U.S. visitors, as well as those from Australia and Canada, must apply for the U.K.’s Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). Similar to the U.S. ESTA system, the ETA costs $12.77 in U.S. dollars, is valid for two years or until the passport expires, and allows stays of up to six months.
“Once granted, ETAs are digitally linked to a traveler’s passport and allow for stays of up to six months at a time—including both short trips and more extended stays. An ETA is not a visa; it is a digital permission to travel,” the U.K. government wrote in its announcement of the program.
Applications can be made via the U.K. ETA mobile app or website. Most approvals are processed within a few hours but may take up to 72 hours. Travelers are advised to apply well in advance of their journey.
The ETA also applies to transit passengers, though this rule is “under review.” By April 2nd, 2025, European travelers will also require ETAs, completing the phased rollout. The new system aims to fully digitize U.K. borders by the end of 2025.
To apply for the ETA, applicants need a valid passport, a digital headshot, travel details, and payment method. Gulf Cooperation Council citizens are already subject to these requirements, with over 600,000 ETAs issued in the past year. For updates, travelers should check the official U.K. government website.
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