Travelling to or
through the UK?
As of January 8, 2025, every US passport holder needs an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) — even if the UK is just a layover. Here's how to get one in 15 minutes.
- What the UK ETA is and why you need it
- What to gather before you start
- Three steps to apply via the official UK ETA app
- Processing times, validity, and how it links to your passport
A digital travel document.
The UK ETA is linked electronically to your passport — there is nothing to print, no sticker in your passport. It’s checked when you arrive at UK immigration.
Required for entry — or even transit.
Mandatory for US passport holders entering or transiting through the UK as of January 8, 2025. If your tour’s flight connects through Heathrow, you need one.
Three steps. Fifteen minutes.
Gather your essentials.
- A valid passport. The same passport you’ll travel with — the ETA is linked to that specific passport. If you’re renewing before the trip, wait until you have the new passport in hand.
- Access to your email address.
- The ability to take or upload a photo of your face.
- £10 ETA fee (about $13), payable via credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.
Choose how to apply.
We strongly recommend the official UK ETA app — uploading the photo is much smoother than the website version. The app guides you through each prompt.
Submit, pay, repeat for travel companions.
Follow the prompts, pay the £10 fee. After submitting, the app offers to start a new application for any travel companions — useful if you’re shepherding a parent or a co-leader through it. Each person needs their own passport handy.
Approved within 3 working days. Valid for 2 years.
Most ETAs are approved within three working days, though it can take longer in rare cases. Approved ETAs are valid for 2 years — unless you renew your passport during that window, in which case you’ll need a new ETA tied to your new passport. Plan to apply at least a week before your departure date so there’s buffer if processing takes longer than expected.
Your Tour Advisor knows the answer.
We track ETA / visa requirements for every Passports destination and walk every group through what their itinerary requires.