New UK ETA Requirement: What U.S. Travelers Need to Know for 2025 🛂
Yes, even your baby needs one.
Short version: As of January 8, 2025, U.S. citizens need an ETA—Electronic Travel Authorisation—to visit or transit the U.K. (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland). It’s quick, cheap, and digital… and you don’t want to forget it
What is the UK ETA?
The ETA is a pre-travel authorization that lets visa-exempt travelers visit the U.K. for up to 6 months for tourism, family visits, business meetings, or short-term study. It’s not a visa and it doesn’t guarantee entry—it authorizes you to travel.
Here’s everything you need to know:
👥 Who Needs the UK ETA?
✅ U.S. citizens traveling to the UK
✅ Anyone visiting the UK for:
Tourism
Visiting friends or family
Short-term study (under 6 months)
Good to know (transit rules): If you’re airside only and do not pass through U.K. border control, you don’t need an ETA. If you do cross the border (even just to switch airports), you do
🚸 Yes, children and infants need one too (parents/guardians apply on their behalf)
Who doesn’t need it? British and Irish citizens; travelers who already hold a valid U.K. visa or U.K. immigration status.
💷 How Much Does the ETA Cost?
£16 per person
Non-refundable—even if your plans change
Valid for 2 years, or until your passport expires (whichever comes first)
You can use it for multiple trips
⏱️ How Long Does It Take?
The official line: Up to 3 business days
My real-world experience: It took 2 minutes (seriously). Once approved, the ETA is digitally linked to your passport—no printing required.
📲 How to Apply for the ETA
You can apply using the official website or the UK ETA app. You’ll need:
📸 A clear, glare-free photo of your passport
🤳 A recent headshot on a white background (or take it directly in the app)
📱 Phone number (optional)
🏡 Home address
💼 Job/employment details
⚖️ Disclose any criminal convictions
🚨 A Note for My Clients
As your travel advisor, I cannot complete this form for you—because it asks about sensitive legal history we do not (and should not) collect.
Here’s what I can do:
✅ I’ll remind you of this requirement during planning
✅ I’ll confirm you’ve completed it before departure
✅ I’ll walk you through the process if you get stuck
This is just one more way we make sure nothing falls through the cracks before your trip.
✈️ My Take
It’s a simple step, but one you do not want to overlook. You’ll need this even if you’re only stopping in London on your way to Italy—or heading to Scotland for a bucket-list birthday trip.
If you’re traveling in 2025 or beyond, put the ETA on your radar now—and let’s make sure it’s one less thing to stress about. HERE is where you can get started
📥 Let’s get your UK trip started here
🧳 Ready when you are.
Let’s adventure smarter.