Starting February 22, 2024, the U.K. will require travelers from the U.S., Canada, and over three dozen other countries to obtain an electronic travel authorization (ETA) before their visit. This pre-authorization program aims to streamline entry for citizens from countries that do not require a visa to enter the U.K. Initially, the ETA program was launched for nationals from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, with expanded requirements now in effect.
The ETA application can be completed online through the U.K.’s ETA app, which is available for both Android and iPhone. The application fee is £10 (approximately $12.50) and is valid for two years, allowing visits of up to six months. All travelers, including children and infants, need an ETA, even if they are only connecting through a U.K. airport. Applicants should expect to wait around three days for a decision, which will be communicated via email. While travelers must present their ETA upon arrival, they will still be subject to immigration checks. Those already holding a visa to live, work, or study in the U.K. do not require an ETA.
