Earlier this year, on January 8, a new rule went into effect for travelers from the United States (and numerous other countries) heading to the United Kingdom. The U.K.—which consists of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland—has implemented a new electronic travel authorization (ETA) system that requires travelers, including those from visa-free countries such as the United States, to obtain permission to travel to the country before arrival.
Similar to the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), which will be required for travel into the European Schengen Zone at the end of 2026 (possibly later; there’s still no exact start date), the U.K.’s ETA system is a digital permission and registration for entering the United Kingdom. It is going into effect in phases, with some travelers already required to apply—including those from the U.S.
On the U.K. government’s ETA information page, you can find the full list of countries whose citizens are now required to have an ETA when entering the U.K. The new ETA system will go into effect on April 2, 2025, for another batch of predominantly European citizens.
Afar’s contributing editor Nick DeRenzo recently tried it out and noted that the whole process was much easier and more seamless than he thought it would be.
“I visited London in the winter, and I had been putting off the chore of securing my ETA for weeks because I assumed it would be an arduous, time-consuming task—and then I was almost embarrassed by how simple it was,” said DeRenzo.
“It took me a few minutes from start (downloading the app) to finish (filling out my payment method),” he said. “The website told me that it could take up to three days to get a response, but I submitted my application at 4:15 p.m. on a Saturday afternoon and received an approval through email at 4:17 p.m.”
How to apply for U.K.’s ETA entry requirement
To apply for the U.K.’s ETA, travelers need to enter basic personal information—including their passport information, a valid email address, and some security information—on the U.K. ETA app, which is available either through the Apple Store or Google Play. Applicants need to upload photos of their passport and their face. There is a 10-pound fee (US$13, based on current conversion rates) for applying, which can be paid with a credit or debit card.
Everyone traveling to the U.K., including babies and children, must get an ETA.
How long does it take to get an ETA?
According to the U.K. government, after applying for an ETA, “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 decision will arrive as an email confirmation, and approval will be linked to the passport used for the application.
Once approved, the ETA for entering the U.K. will be valid for two years, and there’s no limit on how many times you can enter the U.K. during that time frame. Those with an ETA can spend up to six months in the country at a time and can visit any part of the U.K. You will, however, need to reapply for a new ETA if you get a new passport.
What is the U.K.’s new electronic travel authorization (ETA)?
The U.K.’s ETA is digital permission to enter the United Kingdom that is part of a larger plan to fully digitize the borders, according to the 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.,” the government stated.
The ETA is required for anyone traveling in the U.K. for leisure travel, business, short-term study, or a medical procedure. Those planning to work or reside in Britain longer than six months will need to obtain the appropriate visa.
You don’t need an ETA if you already have a visa and/or permission to live, work, or study in the U.K. British and Irish citizens do not need ETAs.
This story was originally published in February 2023 and was updated on March 28, 2025, to include current information.
