UK ETA visa for U.S. citizens: How to apply

Starting January 8, 2025, U.S. citizens planning to travel to the United Kingdom will need to apply for a UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). Whether you're visiting for vacation, business, or family purposes, it’s essential to understand the ETA process to ensure smooth entry. This ETA ranks low in our difficulty index, making it a simple process for travelers from the U.S. to the UK.

Difficulty rating: 5/100

This guide provides U.S. citizens with all the necessary details on how to apply for a UK ETA, including the application steps, associated costs, and how to avoid common mistakes. The UK ETA is a similar requirement to the ESTA process for UK citizens who are visiting the U.S.

What is the UK ETA, and why is it required for U.S. citizens?

The UK ETA is an electronic authorization that simplifies the entry process for travelers from visa-exempt countries, including the United States, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain.

It permits multiple entries into the UK, with each stay lasting up to six months. The ETA is required for tourism, business, short-term study, and even if you’re just transferring planes in the UK.

Unlike traditional visas, the UK ETA is an entirely online application, making it quicker and more convenient for U.S. travelers. Without it, you won’t be able to board your flight to the UK. For a walkthrough on the application process, this useful video outlines the steps needed for your ETA application for the US, Canada and Australia.

What you need for the UK ETA application

A valid U.S. passport: Ensure your passport is valid for the entire duration of your stay in the UK.

A passport-style photograph: This should be a clear image with a plain background.

Travel itinerary: Include the dates for your planned arrival and departure from the UK.

Payment method: You’ll need a credit or debit card to pay the application fee.

A valid email address: to receive your ETA approval confirmation.

iVisa Pro Tip: Double-check all your information for accuracy, paying special attention to your passport number, as mistakes in this area often lead to delays and rejections.

Costs of the UK ETA application

The UK ETA comes with a government fee of approximately £10. If you need expedited processing, additional fees for faster service apply.

Download our app to find out more about faster processing

How to apply for the UK ETA as a U.S. citizen

Applying for the UK ETA is a straightforward process that can be completed online. Follow these steps to ensure your application goes through smoothly:

Step 1: Pay the application fee Fill in the online application form with your personal details, passport information, and travel plans. Once this is completed, submit the fee using a secure online payment method, such as a credit or debit card.

Step 2: Upload the required documents You’ll need to upload a copy of your passport and a passport-sized photograph. Make sure your passport number and details are accurate to prevent delays in processing.

Step 3: Submit your application After submitting the required documents, send your application for review. You can expect to receive your ETA approval within a few hours, but it may take up to three days. Apply well in advance of your trip to avoid any last-minute issues.

For more information, see our step-by-step guide to the UK application process.

Common mistakes to avoid

To avoid any delays or rejections, make sure to double-check your application and avoid these common mistakes:

• Incorrect passport number: This is a frequent error that can delay or invalidate your application.

• Expired passport: Make sure your passport is valid for the entire duration of your stay in the UK.

• Incomplete application fields: Before submitting your application, ensure all required fields are filled in accurately.

Why apply for your UK ETA through iVisa?

Applying for your UK ETA through iVisa means you’ll benefit from an application process that is 11% less likely to be rejected than direct submissions through the UK Government’s portal.

This makes it less likely that your application will be rejected when applying through iVisa, compared to submitting directly through the UK Government’s website.

Benefits of applying with iVisa

Lower rejection rates: iVisa applications have a significantly lower than those submitted directly via the UK Government’s portal.

Fast processing times: The average processing time is just 9 hours, and we offer a 24-hour processing with our Super Rush option for urgent applications.

User-friendly platform: We’ve simplified the process to make it as straightforward as possible.

Contact us for more info about your UK ETA application

Our customer service team is ready to assist if you have any questions or concerns about the UK ETA. Contact us anytime via WhatsApp or iVisa chat.

Securing a UK ETA visa from the U.S. is a straightforward process when you provide accurate information and follow the correct steps. Applying through iVisa reduces the chances of rejection and ensures a smoother application process.