UK ETA for United States Citizens
Everything you need to know about applying for your UK Electronic Travel Authorization as a United States citizen
Why Choose UK ETA for American Citizens in 2025?
Cost-Effective US to UK Travel
At just £7.50, the UK ETA is significantly more affordable than traditional US visitor visas. American citizens benefit from one of the lowest application fees globally, making UK travel accessible for everyone.
Faster Processing Than Standard Visas
Skip embassy appointments and lengthy processing times. The UK ETA for Americans offers instant to same-day approvals, compared to weeks for traditional visas. Plan your London trip spontaneously.
Digital-First Application Process
No paperwork, no postal delays, no document submissions. American travelers complete the entire UK ETA process online in 10-15 minutes using just their passport and email address.
Apply for Your UK ETA as a United States Citizen
United States citizens can now apply for the UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), a streamlined digital travel document that simplifies entry to the United Kingdom. The UK ETA represents the future of travel authorization, replacing traditional visa requirements for eligible Americans traveling for tourism and short-term business purposes.
With an easy online application process that takes less than 15 minutes, US citizens can obtain their UK ETA with minimal hassle. The approval is typically granted within minutes, allowing you to plan your British holiday or business trip with confidence and ease.
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Key Information About UK ETA for United States Citizens
Who Can Apply
US citizens with valid American passports can apply for UK ETA. Your passport must be in good condition and valid throughout your stay.
Approval Speed
The majority of UK ETA applications are approved within minutes to hours. Processing can take up to 3 working days in some cases.
Application Fee
The UK ETA application costs £7.50 GBP for United States citizens, a cost-effective alternative to traditional visitor visas.
Authorization Duration
Your UK ETA is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever is sooner, with multiple visits permitted.
UK ETA Eligibility for United States Citizens
United States citizens must meet the following criteria to be eligible for a UK ETA:
- •You must hold a valid US passport (biometric or regular)
- •Your passport must not be damaged or severely worn
- •You are traveling to the UK for tourism, business, or visiting family and friends
- •You have no previous UK immigration violations or refusals
- •You have no serious criminal convictions
How to Apply for UK ETA as a United States Citizen
Prepare Your Passport
Ensure you have your valid US passport ready and your email address on hand for the application process.
Complete the Online Form
Fill out the UK ETA application form with your personal information, passport details, and travel intentions. The process takes 10-15 minutes.
Pay the Fee
Pay the £7.50 application fee securely using a credit or debit card. Your payment is encrypted and protected.
Receive Your Authorization
Get your UK ETA approval via email with your authorization details and reference number. You're ready to travel!
UK ETA for Americans: Regional Information
Whether you're traveling from New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, or any US state, the UK ETA application process remains the same. Americans from all 50 states can apply online, with no regional restrictions or variations in requirements.
Popular US-UK Routes
- • New York to London (JFK to LHR)
- • Los Angeles to London (LAX to LHR)
- • Miami to London (MIA to LHR)
- • San Francisco to London (SFO to LHR)
UK Destinations for Americans
- • London - Historic landmarks
- • Edinburgh - Scottish culture
- • Wales - Natural beauty
- • Northern Ireland - Heritage sites
Peak Travel Seasons
- • Summer (June-August)
- • Christmas (Dec-Jan)
- • Easter holidays
- • Autumn (Sept-Oct)
UK ETA for Americans: Complete FAQ Guide
Do all American passport holders need a UK ETA?
Yes, as of November 2024, all US citizens (including dual nationals) traveling to the United Kingdom must have either a UK ETA or an appropriate visa. The ETA replaces visa-free travel for many American visitors and applies to tourism, business, and family visits.
What's the exact cost of UK ETA for American citizens?
The UK ETA fee for Americans is £7.50 GBP (approximately $9-10 USD). This one-time fee covers your 2-year authorization period with unlimited visits. Additional fees may apply if you use a third-party payment processor.
How quickly do Americans receive UK ETA approval?
Most American citizens receive instant approval upon submission, with decisions typically made within seconds to minutes. However, some applications may require manual review and could take up to 3 working days. Always apply at least 3 days before travel.
Can Americans extend their UK ETA stay beyond 6 months?
No, the UK ETA permits a maximum continuous stay of 6 months per visit. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the UK and return. Extended stays require a different visa category such as a Student Visa or Family Visa.
What documents do Americans need to apply for UK ETA?
You need only three things: a valid US passport, a digital passport photograph (35x45mm), and an active email address. No additional documents like return tickets, accommodation bookings, or bank statements are required for ETA applications.
Is UK ETA valid for business travel for Americans?
Yes, Americans can use their UK ETA for business purposes including meetings, conferences, and business negotiations. However, you cannot conduct work or receive payment in the UK. Business activities must be unpaid and short-term.