Quick answer
US citizens visiting the UK usually need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) instead of a visa. It costs £20 per person and lets you travel to the UK, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man for up to 6 months.
Checked on 10 November 2026 against GOV.UK: Get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to visit the UK.
On this page
UK ETA for US citizens: key facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who needs it | US citizens travelling to the UK as visitors |
| Cost | £20 per person, non-refundable |
| Validity | 2 years from approval, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first |
| Number of trips | Unlimited while the ETA is valid |
| Length of each stay | Up to 6 months |
| Decision time | Usually within 1 day, but it can take up to 3 working days |
| When to apply | At least 3 working days before you travel |
| Where to apply | The UK ETA app or the online service linked from GOV.UK |
An ETA does not guarantee entry. A Border Force officer still decides whether you can enter when you arrive.
Do Americans need an ETA for the UK? Who does and who does not
US nationals are on the official list of nationalities that can apply for an ETA. Nationalities not on that list cannot get one and need to check whether they need a visa instead. Some people do not need an ETA at all.
| Your situation | Need a UK ETA? |
|---|---|
| US passport, visiting the UK as a tourist or for a short visit | Yes |
| US citizen who also holds a British or Irish passport | No, if you travel on the British or Irish passport |
| US citizen with permission to live, work or study in the UK | No |
| Holder of a British National (Overseas) passport | No, neither an ETA nor a visa is needed to visit |
| US citizen changing planes without passing through UK border control (airside transit) | Not currently required at Heathrow and Manchester. This exemption is temporary and under review |
| US citizen leaving the airport or passing through border control during a connection (landside transit) | Yes |
| Child or baby with a US passport | Yes, every traveller needs their own ETA |
If you are unsure whether an ETA or a visa fits your trip, see UK ETA or visa? For connections, see UK ETA for transit and layovers.
UK ETA requirements for US citizens
- A valid US passport. The UK does not require 3 or 6 months of remaining validity. Your passport must be valid for your whole stay.
- A photo of your face. It must be in colour, against a light plain background, with a neutral expression, eyes open and no shadows. Wear glasses only if you need them, without glare. Head coverings are allowed only for religious or medical reasons. Children under 6 have some relaxations.
- An email address to receive the decision.
- A payment card for the £20 fee.
The app warns you if your photo may not meet the rules, but it still lets you submit it. Children under 9 do not need to do a face scan in the app. Full details are in UK ETA requirements.
How to apply for a UK ETA from the USA
- Download the official UK ETA app, or use the online service at apply-for-an-eta.homeoffice.gov.uk, which is linked from GOV.UK.
- Scan or enter your passport details.
- Take or upload your photo.
- Answer the questions about yourself and your background.
- Pay the £20 fee.
- Wait for the decision by email.
Most people who apply in the app get an automatic decision within minutes. Some applications take longer, so apply at least 3 working days before you travel. You do not need to have an ETA before you book your flights. For a step-by-step guide, see How to apply for a UK ETA.
Special cases
New or renewed US passport
Your ETA is linked to the passport you used to apply. It only works when you travel with that passport. If you get a new passport, you need a new ETA. An ETA cannot be transferred.
Families
Each traveller needs their own ETA, including babies and children. The fee is £20 for everyone. There is no discount for children, families or seniors. You can find more on fees in UK ETA cost and validity.
What you can and cannot do as a visitor
As a visitor you can usually stay for up to 6 months. You can volunteer for up to 30 days with a registered charity. You cannot claim public funds or get married. You also cannot do paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person, with some exceptions. In certain circumstances you can apply to stay longer.
Moving to the UK for work
You cannot switch from visitor status to a Skilled Worker visa while in the UK. You must apply from outside the UK, with a certificate of sponsorship from a licensed employer.
FAQ
Do I need a UK ETA if I am only changing planes in London?
If you stay airside and do not pass through UK border control, you currently do not need an ETA at Heathrow. This exemption is temporary. If you go through border control, you need an ETA.
Can I get the £20 fee back if my plans change?
No. The ETA fee is non-refundable.
Who can I contact with questions about my ETA?
GOV.UK offers a webchat for questions about the ETA. Find it on the official ETA page.
More answers are on our UK ETA questions and answers page.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to visit the UK
- GOV.UK: Check when you can get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA)
- GOV.UK: Visit the UK as a Standard Visitor
This guide is general information, not legal or immigration advice. BritainEntry is an independent website and is not connected with the UK government.