United Kingdom ETA
Electronic Travel Authorisation · For United States citizens
Planning a trip to the UK as an American citizen? You need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before you travel. The good news: it costs just £16, takes minutes to apply, and most applications are approved automatically. Your ETA is valid for 2 years, allowing multiple visits of up to 6 months each. With a near-99% approval rate for US applicants, the process is straightforward.
UK ETA for US Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For United States citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
A valid US passport is required to apply for and travel with an ETA
A valid email address to receive your ETA decision and reference number
A recent photograph of your face taken during the application process
A valid payment method to pay the £16 application fee
You must answer questions about your background and eligibility to enter the UK
What is the UK ETA?
The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital travel permission required for US citizens visiting the UK.1 It is not a visa, but a pre-screening system that allows the UK government to check travelers before they arrive. The ETA links digitally to your passport.1
As an American citizen, you can visit the UK for tourism, visiting family or friends, business activities, short-term study (up to 6 months), or transit without a traditional visa.4 The ETA simply confirms you are cleared to travel.
Application Process
All applications must be submitted online through the UK government portal or the official UK ETA app.2 The process takes less than 10 minutes:
1. Download the App or Visit gov.uk
Apply using the free UK ETA app (available on iOS and Android) or directly at gov.uk.2 The app makes it easier to take the required photos.
2. Provide Your Information
Enter your personal details, passport information, and contact details. Answer suitability questions about your background, including any criminal history or immigration violations.2
3. Take Required Photos
Photograph your passport’s data page and take a photo of your face. The app guides you through this process.2
4. Pay the Fee
Pay the £16 fee using a credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.2
5. Receive Your Decision
Most applications receive an automatic decision within minutes.3 You will receive an email with your ETA reference number. If additional review is needed, decisions are made within 3 working days.3
Fees
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| UK ETA Application | £16 |
There are no priority or expedited processing options for the ETA. The £16 fee is the same for all applicants.1
What You Can Do With an ETA
The ETA allows you to visit the UK as a Standard Visitor.4 Permitted activities include:
Tourism and Leisure
- Sightseeing and visiting attractions
- Attending events, concerts, or sports matches
- Holiday and vacation travel
Visiting People
- Staying with family or friends
- Attending family events such as weddings
Business Activities
- Attending meetings, conferences, or seminars
- Negotiating and signing contracts
- Attending trade fairs
Short-term Study
- Recreational courses up to 30 days (e.g., cooking, art)
- English language courses up to 6 months at accredited institutions
Transit
- Passing through the UK to another destination
What You Cannot Do
The ETA does not permit you to:4
- Work for a UK employer (paid or unpaid)
- Live in the UK through frequent or successive visits
- Access public funds (benefits)
- Marry or register a civil partnership (requires a different visa)
- Study at a state-funded school
Processing Times
Most ETA applications are processed automatically and receive a decision within minutes.3 However, some applications require additional review.
| Scenario | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Standard (automatic decision) | Minutes |
| Cases requiring review | Up to 3 working days |
If you do not receive a decision within 3 working days, contact UK Visas and Immigration.3 Apply at least 3 days before travel to account for any delays.
At the UK Border
Your ETA does not guarantee entry to the UK. At the border, immigration officers may ask about:4
- Your planned activities in the UK
- Where you will stay
- How long you plan to visit
- Evidence of funds to support yourself
- Return travel arrangements
Be prepared to answer questions clearly. Having accommodation details and a general itinerary ready can help speed up the process.
If Your ETA is Refused
ETA refusals cannot be appealed.5 However, a refusal does not bar you from entering the UK. Your options are:
Apply for a Standard Visitor Visa
If your ETA is refused, you can apply for a Standard Visitor Visa instead.5 This allows you to:
- Provide additional context and supporting documents
- Explain any circumstances that led to the ETA refusal
- Include evidence of rehabilitation if relevant
The visa application is more detailed than the ETA and involves higher fees and longer processing times, but it gives you the opportunity to present your case more fully.
Understand the Refusal Reason
Your refusal notification will indicate the general grounds. Common reasons include criminal history, immigration violations, or security concerns. Address these issues in your visa application.
ETA vs Standard Visitor Visa
| Feature | ETA | Standard Visitor Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | £16 | £127 |
| Processing | Minutes to 3 days | 3 weeks |
| Validity | 2 years | 6 months to 10 years |
| Appeal if refused | No | Administrative review available |
| Additional documents | None | Financial, employment evidence |
| Suitable for | Most US travelers | Those with complex circumstances |
Most American travelers should apply for the ETA. The Standard Visitor Visa is primarily for those whose ETA is refused or who have circumstances requiring additional documentation.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Criminal Record
Applicants with serious criminal convictions, particularly custodial sentences of 12 months or more, or any conviction within the past 12 months, may be refused an ETA.
How to avoid: If you have a criminal record, consider applying for a Standard Visitor Visa instead, where you can provide context and evidence of rehabilitation.
Previous Immigration Violations
History of overstaying visas, deportation, or other breaches of UK or other countries' immigration laws can result in ETA refusal.
How to avoid: Be honest about your immigration history. If you have previous violations, apply for a visa where you can explain the circumstances.
Security or Public Safety Concerns
Applicants deemed a potential risk to public safety, national security, or associated with extremist activities will be refused.
How to avoid: Ensure all information provided is accurate. Security screenings are automated and cross-reference multiple databases.
False or Incomplete Information
Providing misleading, false, or incomplete information in your application will result in automatic refusal and may affect future applications.
How to avoid: Double-check all information before submitting. Be truthful about your background, even if you think it might cause problems.
Outstanding Home Office Debts
Applicants with unpaid litigation costs or other debts owed to the UK Home Office are ineligible for an ETA.
How to avoid: Resolve any outstanding debts before applying. Contact the Home Office if you are unsure about your status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a visa to visit the UK?
No. US citizens do not need a visa for tourist visits of up to 6 months. However, you must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before traveling to the UK. The ETA costs £16 and is valid for 2 years.
How long does UK ETA approval take for Americans?
Most ETA applications receive an automatic decision within minutes. However, some applications may take up to 3 working days if additional review is required. Apply at least 3 days before your planned travel.
How much does the UK ETA cost for US citizens?
The UK ETA costs £16 (approximately $20 USD). This fee is the same regardless of whether you apply through the UK ETA app or the gov.uk website.
How long is the UK ETA valid?
The ETA is valid for 2 years from the date of issue, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. During this time, you can make unlimited trips to the UK, with each visit lasting up to 6 months.
Can I work in the UK on an ETA?
No. The ETA only permits tourism, visiting family or friends, business activities (meetings, conferences), short-term study, and transit. You cannot work, paid or unpaid, for a UK employer. If you need to work, you must apply for an appropriate work visa.
What happens if my UK ETA is refused?
If your ETA is refused, you cannot appeal the decision. However, you can apply for a Standard Visitor Visa instead, which allows you to provide additional evidence and context for your application. ETA refusal does not prevent you from obtaining a visa.
Do children need their own ETA?
Yes. Every traveler, including children and infants, must have their own ETA. Each person needs their own passport, and a separate application with payment must be submitted for each individual.
Can I apply for someone else's ETA?
Yes. You can apply for an ETA on behalf of another person, such as a child or family member. You will need their passport details, a photo of their face, and their passport photo page. If applying through the app, they must be present for the photo.
What if I get a new passport after receiving an ETA?
Your ETA is linked to your passport. If you get a new passport, you must apply for a new ETA before traveling to the UK, even if your previous ETA has not expired.
Can I extend my stay beyond 6 months?
Generally, you cannot extend your stay as a visitor. You are expected to leave the UK before your permitted 6 months ends. Extensions are only granted in exceptional circumstances such as medical emergencies.