PSA: UK Electronic Travel Authorization Needed From January 8

Americans and other nationalities will need a UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to travel to the UK in 2025. Here are the details:

U.S. nationals (as well as nationals of the countries listed below) who plan to travel to the United Kingdom for dates from 1/8/25 will need to secure a valid UK ETA in advance of their travel. This requirement applies to everyone, including children and babies; each person needs his/her own ETA.

When Can I Apply?

Americans and nationals of other countries that will be required to have a UK ETA for travel from 1/8/25 will be able to apply online starting November 27, 2024.

How Much Does It Cost?

Each ETA costs GBP 10 to apply.

How Long Does It Take to Receive the Approved ETA?

Typically decisions are made within 3 working days; occasionally it may take longer.

Citizens of these countries will need to apply in advance for a UK ETA for travel on or after January 8, 2025:

Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Australia
The Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Botswana
Brazil
Brunei
Canada
Chile
Colombia
Costa Rica
Grenada
Guatemala
Guyana
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (including British national overseas)
Israel
Japan
Kiribati
Macao Special Administrative Region
Malaysia
Maldives
Marshall Islands
Mauritius
Mexico
Federated States of Micronesia
Nauru
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Palau
Panama
Papua New Guinea
Paraguay
Peru
Samoa
Seychelles
Singapore
Solomon Islands
South Korea
St Kitts and Nevis
St Lucia
St Vincent and the Grenadines
Taiwan (if you have a passport issued by Taiwan that includes in it the number of the identification card issued by the competent authority in Taiwan)
Tonga
Trinidad and Tobago
Tuvalu
United States
Uruguay