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1/17 Update: Transit passengers who remain airside will NOT need a valid UK ETA. Previously they would have had to have one. London Heathrow Airport, British Airways, and other airlines pressured the government to abandon that requirement, fearing a significant loss of business to flights going directly to continental Europe, given the hassle for transit passengers. Keep in mind that anyone on separate airline tickets who needs to clear immigration to get to their next flight will still need a UK ETA.
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.
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How Much Does It Cost?
At time of writing, each ETA costs GBP 10 to apply; however, the UK Home Office has announced a potential increase to GBP 16 per person, although the Home Office hasn't stated a date when this would go into effect.
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How Long Does It Take to Receive the Approved ETA?
Typically decisions are made within 3 working days; occasionally it may take longer.
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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
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