If you haven’t already heard, citizens of the United States will now need to pay to enter the United Kingdom.

This requirement has been in place since Jan. 8, requiring those traveling to the UK, including Northern Ireland and British Overseas Territories, to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). That’s unless you have a UK visa or legal residency in the UK or the Republic of Ireland.

This change is part of the UK’s broader move to make its immigration system and borders more digital. The ETA system acts as a form of pre-clearance for travelers who otherwise don’t require a visa for short stays in the UK, sharing similarities with the U.S. Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

What This Means For You

Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, you’ll now need to apply for an ETA. Luckily, it’s a straightforward, quick and relatively cheap process.

Keep in mind that if you’re transiting through the UK, you’ll need to apply for an ETA if you pass through UK border control.

For instance, if you wanted to leave the airport to spend a day’s stopover in London and then fly the following day to another country, you’d need an ETA. However, if you don’t pass through UK border control, then you won’t need an ETA to transit through a UK airport. It’s easiest to check with your airline about the details of your transit, to know whether or not you’ll need to apply for an ETA.

Travelers of all ages need to apply for an ETA and can expect to receive it within three working days, although approvals are often quicker.

Once you’re equipped with your ETA, you can:

  • Come to the UK for up to six months for tourism, to visit family and friends, or for business or short-term study purposes
  • Come to the UK for up to three months on the “Creative Worker” visa concession
  • Come to the UK for a permitted paid engagement
  • Transit through a UK airport if you will pass through border control

After you’ve applied and been approved, your ETA will be valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever is shorter. During this time period, you can enter the UK as many times as you wish.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) in the UK

How to Apply for the UK ETA

You can apply by downloading the UK ETA app on the App Store or Google Play.

You’ll need to upload a photograph of your passport as well as scan your face. You’ll then need to pay an application fee of 10 British pounds ($13 USD).

You can pay the fee with a credit or debit card as well as through Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Final Thoughts

The U.S. passport remains one of the best passports you can hold when it comes to traveling the world. And just because you now need to apply for an ETA to enter the UK, it doesn’t mean your travel options are restricted.

Apply early, pay the fee and you’ll have your ETA in no time, ready for your next adventure in the UK.