January 13, 2025
New Requirement for UK Travel
Pam
The United Kingdom is a frequent destination for not only many of our readers, but also Alex, Jess, and me. We all love London and at least one of us usually has a trip to the UK on the horizon. So if you’re like us and might be heading to the UK soon (or even just connecting at London Heathrow to a different destination), you’ll need to be aware of this new travel requirement.
Every traveler from the United States now needs to apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) before entering the UK. Once your application is approved, your ETA is good for two years.
Alex’s family will all need an ETA before their next trip to London.
Key Points About the ETA
- Timing: You should plan to apply for the ETA at least a week before your trip to the UK.
- Cost: It costs £10 to apply. Everyone traveling needs to get an ETA, including babies and children. You can apply for other people besides yourself. There are no refunds.
- Who needs it: American citizens must have one if traveling to the UK or connecting in the UK to another destination after January 8, 2025. (If you’re American but happen to have dual citizenship with the UK or Ireland, you won’t need an ETA.)
- How long is it good for: It’s good for a stay of up to six months
How to Apply for the ETA
The fastest way to apply is through the UK ETA app, which you can download from the App Store or Google Play on your phone.
To apply, you will need:
- A photo of yourself and anyone else you are applying for
- The passport(s) you will use to travel to the UK
- A credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay
You can also apply online. It should only take ten minutes to apply.
After You Apply for the ETA
You will receive an email confirming your approval for the ETA, which will be linked to your passport. This should occur within three working days.
It is valid for 2 years and you can use it as much as you desire during that time. If you get a new passport in the two years your ETA is valid, you will also need to get a new ETA and link that to your new passport.
Bottom Line
Remember that there is a new requirement for UK travel! I travel there often, so I plan to get one about a week before my next departure.
Related Posts
SCHLOSS Roxburghe—A Scottish Castle Review
Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities. American Express is a Travel Mom Squad advertiser, but we always show the best public offer even when we don’t earn a commission. Terms Apply.
Responses are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
Leave a Reply
Advertiser Disclosure: Travel Mom Squad has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Travel Mom Squad and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. This compensation may impact how or where products appear on this site. Travel Mom Squad has not reviewed all available credit card offers on this site.
Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Is this for any travel, not just planes? Planning to fly to Amsterdam and take a train to London.
Yes it is for any travel to the UK.