Before you can even board the flight to or through the United Kingdom you need to apply and receive confirmation your passport has been approved & linked with your Electronic Travel Authorization(ETA). This is what you need to know about the new UK entry requirements.
There are new mandatory Entry Requirements for the UK that apply to US citizens and Canadians. This is effective as of January 8, 2025. You should complete this in plenty of time ahead of your travel.
What countries are included within the United Kingdom (UK)?
- England
- Scotland
- Wales
- Northern Ireland
The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a new requirement that grants permission to travel to (or through) the UK. Everyone including children who enter or transit through the UK, including Northern Ireland, must apply. However, you don’t need an ETA if you’re a British or Irish citizen.
How to apply?
Use the app linked below, which you can delete once you receive your confirmation email saying your passport has been linked electronically. I would suggest saving the email though.
How much does it cost?
£10 ($12.73 USD the day I applied)
How long is it valid?
Your ETA will be valid for two years or until your passport expires – whichever is sooner.
Instructions are in the app (find the link below)
The good news is it doesn’t take very long, and I mean minutes to complete. Have your passport ready and your cell phone. At 11:47am they emailed me a code to verify my email and by 11:57am I had an email that my ETA was approved and I’m cleared to travel enter the UK. My biggest tip is to try scanning the back of your passport so the app can read your passport chip. Also, the phone needs to be touching your passport to read it.
Apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) – GOV.UK
If you don’t get your Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before traveling to England, you risk being denied boarding at your departure airport, facing delays at UK immigration, or potentially being fined upon arrival as you are required to apply for an ETA prior to travel to the UK; it’s considered mandatory for most non-EU citizens, including US travelers.
Will I get a document showing proof of ETA?
No, it will be linked to your passport. The only evidence you will get is an email notifying you that it’s been approved. I would save the email to be safe and have it in your electronic records.
Key points to remember:
- Application is mandatory: You must apply for an ETA online and be approved before your trip to the UK.
- Potential consequences: If you don’t have an approved ETA, you might be denied boarding on your flight, face lengthy processing at UK immigration, or be subject to a fine.
- Apply in advance: You should apply for your ETA well before your travel date to ensure you receive approval in time.
You can find more travel tips in this post. Also, click here to find my most comfortable sneakers for travel.
Thank you, Maria, for this very helpful information. I was already aware of this requirement, but there are so many people that are not aware of it and are confused by the precise requirements. Even though there is only a soft border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, I’m guessing if you were pulled over by the police for anything, they might want to see your ETA or evidence of it. I plan to print the email off to show them along with my American passport/license. You do such a great job. Keep up the good work!