My Trips 
Last updated: August 2026
If you’re a US passport holder planning a trip to the UK, there’s one step you need to take care of before you even get to the airport: the Electronic Travel Authorization, or ETA. It’s a digital permission to travel that covers England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and as of February 2026 it is fully enforced. No ETA, no boarding pass.
The good news is that it’s quick, inexpensive, and lasts two years. Here’s everything you need to know, plus a few travel tips to make your UK trip unforgettable.
The short version
- Who needs one: every US passport holder visiting the UK for up to six months, including babies and children
- What it costs: £20 per person (roughly $27, depending on the exchange rate)
- How long it lasts: two years, or until your passport expires
- How long it takes: usually a decision within a day, but allow up to three working days
- Where to apply: the official UK ETA app or gov.uk/eta — nowhere else
What is the ETA?
The UK ETA is a digital entry requirement for visitors from visa-free countries like the United States. Think of it as Britain’s version of the US ESTA: a quick online pre-screening that gets linked electronically to your passport.
It covers the whole of the United Kingdom — England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland — as well as Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. It is not a visa, and it does not guarantee entry; a border officer still has the final say when you arrive.
What changed in 2026
The ETA has been rolling out in stages since 2023, and two dates matter if you’re planning travel now:
- February 25, 2026 — full enforcement began. Airlines, ferry operators and rail carriers are now required to check that you hold a valid ETA before you board. If you don’t have one, you will be turned away at check-in. The earlier grace period, when travelers could board with a pending application, has ended.
- April 8, 2026 — the fee rose to £20. It was £16 before that, and £10 when the scheme first launched.
If you traveled to the UK in 2024 or 2025 and remember things being a little more relaxed, this is the change to be aware of.
Do You Need One?
Yes, if you’re a US passport holder traveling to the UK for tourism, visiting family, business meetings, conferences or short-term study of up to six months. You also need one if you’re transiting through a UK airport and pass through border control on your way to somewhere else.
No, if you’re a British or Irish citizen, you already hold a UK visa or permission to live, work or study in the UK, or you’re transiting airside without going through border control. Check with your airline if you’re unsure about a connection.
If You Hold Dual US–Irish or US–British Citizenship
This one catches people out, and it matters to a lot of our travelers with Irish or British roots. If you’re a dual citizen, you cannot get an ETA. Instead, you need to travel on a valid Irish or British passport, or on another passport carrying a certificate of entitlement to the right of abode.
Since February 2026 this is checked at the gate, so if your Irish or British passport has expired, renew it well ahead of your trip. It’s worth checking now rather than three weeks before departure — passport renewals can take time.
What It Costs
An ETA costs £20 per person, which works out to roughly $27 depending on the exchange rate. There are no family discounts, and every traveler needs their own, including infants. The fee is non-refundable, even if your application is refused.
One important warning: plenty of copycat websites advertise ETA “assistance” and charge two or three times the government fee. The only official routes are the UK ETA app and gov.uk/eta. Paying more does not get you a faster decision.
How to Apply for the UK ETA
The process is designed to take about ten minutes.
- Apply through the app or online. The UK government recommends the official UK ETA app (App Store or Google Play) because it can scan your passport chip directly, which cuts down on typos. You can also apply at gov.uk/eta.
- Have these ready: the passport you’ll actually travel with, an email address, and a credit card, debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay.
- Take your photos. You’ll need a photo of your passport and a photo of your face. Poor-quality photos are the most common reason applications get delayed.
- Answer a few questions about your travel plans and background, then pay.
- Wait for the confirmation email. Most decisions come back within a day, but allow up to three working days. Do not travel until you have the email confirming your ETA has been approved.
Once approved, your ETA is linked electronically to your passport, so there’s nothing to print or carry. Just make sure you travel on the same passport you applied with. If you renew your passport, you’ll need a new ETA.
ETA Validity and Travel Flexibility
Your ETA is valid for two years, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first. Within that window you can travel to the UK as many times as you like, with each visit lasting up to six months. That makes it ideal if you’re planning a return trip, or combining the UK with travel elsewhere in Europe.
Not sure whether yours is still current? You can check your status and expiry date at gov.uk/check-eta.
Traveling to Ireland as Well?
The Republic of Ireland is a separate country with its own entry rules, and the UK ETA doesn’t apply there — you don’t need one to visit Dublin, Killarney or the Wild Atlantic Way.
But if your itinerary crosses into Northern Ireland — Belfast, the Giant’s Causeway, the Antrim Coast — you do need an ETA. There are no routine passport checks on the land border, but the legal requirement still stands. The exemption you may have read about applies only to people who actually live in Ireland, not to visitors passing through.
If you’re traveling with us on a combined Ireland and Northern Ireland itinerary, your Destination Expert will flag this, but it’s worth having on your own checklist too.
What to Expect on Arrival
Present your passport at the border and the system verifies your ETA automatically. US passport holders can usually use the ePassport gates at major UK airports, which is normally the quickest route through. Have your accommodation details and return travel handy in case you’re asked.
Travel Tips for Your UK Visit
Whether it’s your first trip to the UK or your tenth, these travel tips will help you make the most of your time:
Pack for Varied Weather
UK weather is famously unpredictable, with rain possible at any time of year. Layering is key, so bring a waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes for exploring both city streets and countryside paths.
Drive on the Left Side
If you’re planning to drive, remember that in the UK, people drive on the left! Also, renting a car requires a U.S. driver’s license, and an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended but not required.
Enjoy the Pub Culture
The UK’s pubs are known for their friendly atmosphere and are great places to meet locals. Some tips: if you order food at a pub, place your order at the bar rather than at a table, and it’s common to tip around 10-15% if the service is particularly good.
Check for VAT Refunds
American visitors can reclaim the UK’s Value Added Tax (VAT) on most goods. Just look for shops with “tax-free shopping” signs, keep your receipts, and submit them at the airport for a refund before you head home.
Use Public Transportation in Cities
Cities like London and Edinburgh have well-connected public transportation systems. Avoid driving in these cities if you can—parking is limited, and navigating the narrow streets can be challenging.
Entry requirements can change. Always check gov.uk/eta for the latest official guidance before you travel.
Let your Destination Expert know you’re ready to experience the best of what the UK has to offer!
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