Beginning January 8, 2025, U.S. citizens traveling to the United Kingdom (UK) will need to secure an electronic travel authorization (ETA) before their journey, including for layovers. This new policy is part of the UK’s plan to digitize its borders fully by the end of 2025, which will affect all international visitors who are not either UK or Irish citizens.

What is the ETA?

The UK’s ETA system operates similarly to the United States’ ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). It is not a visa, but a digital permission to enter the country for short-term stays. “An ETA costs £10, permits multiple journeys, and lasts for two years or until the holder’s passport expires—whichever is sooner,” according to a news release from the UK’s government. “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.” 

Application Process

Travelers can now apply for the ETA using the UK ETA mobile app or website. The application requires:

• A valid passport
• A digital photo that meets UK passport standards
• Travel details
• A debit or credit card for the £10 fee

While most applications are approved within the same day, the process can actually take up to 72 hours, so officials advise submitting applications a few days before departure to avoid problems. According to Condé Nast Traveler, if you haven’t received ETA authorization prior to taking off for the UK, you could be hit with a fine or even denied boarding. 

Layover Travelers Included

Even passengers who are merely transiting through a UK airport must obtain an ETA before arriving in the country. The UK government believes that, “requiring transit passengers to obtain an ETA stops people who may use connecting flights to avoid gaining permission to travel to the UK.” The Home Office stated in a news release that this rule is “under review” and may be amended in the future, it remains the case for now.

Implementation Timeline

The ETA rollout is happening in phases. Starting January 8, 2025, citizens of the U.S., Canada and Australia will need ETAs to enter the UK. By April 2, 2025, European travelers will also be required to apply. Once an ETA is granted, the designated traveler can use it to enter the country for up to two years or until their passport expires, whichever comes first.

The system has already been in use for citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council countries, including Qatar and Saudi Arabia. To date, over 600,000 ETAs have been granted to travelers from these nations.

UK’s ETA Cost

The £10 ETA fee (approximately $13) is competitive compared to similar travel authorization programs. For instance, the EU plans to introduce a €7 entry authorization system in 2025, while the U.S. ESTA costs $21.

Advancing Digitization

This initiative is part of the UK’s broader goal of streamlining border control and enhancing security. By the end of 2025, advance approval via ETA or eVisa will be mandatory for all non-citizens entering the UK.

Travelers planning trips to England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland during or after 2025 should ensure they apply for an ETA well in advance to avoid complications.

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