UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) required for US travelers

Starting Jan. 8, U.S. citizens traveling to the United Kingdom for short visits, tourism, or business, including those just passing through UK airports, will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) if they do not have a UK visa or legal residency in the UK or the Republic of Ireland. This requirement applies to all parts of the UK, including Northern Ireland and British Overseas Territories.

The ETA is similar to the U.S. Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) system and acts as a pre-clearance for travel. This change is part of the UK's move towards a digital border system.

An Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA):

• May take up to three working days to process.
• Costs £10 (approximately $12.75).
• Is required for travelers of all ages.
• Is valid for two years or the remaining period of validity on a passport, whichever is shorter.
• Does not require travel details.

One does not need an ETA if they already have a visa, an exempt vignette, or have a British or Irish passport. Other nationalities that ordinarily require a visa to visit the UK will continue to do so and should not obtain an ETA.

Note: All DoDEA employees and their eligible family members required to travel to the UK or routed through the UK on official travel orders will get reimbursed for the £10 fee when they file their travel voucher. However, for school-level events that require travel to or through the UK, parents are responsible for their students’ ETA fees. This includes sporting and academic events.  

For more information and to apply for an ETA, visit the UK ETA website.