Yes. If you hold a US passport, you now need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) — £20, applied for online — before you fly to Britain. Good news: if you've ever done a US ESTA, this is the same idea, and just as quick.
Millions of Americans visit the UK every year, and as of 2026 every one of them needs an ETA first — even for a weekend in London or a layover at Heathrow. It's Britain's version of the US ESTA: a quick online pre-authorization for visa-exempt travelers, linked to your passport. Here's exactly what US citizens need to know.
| Detail | For US passport holders |
|---|---|
| Do I need it? | Yes — required before you travel to the UK |
| Cost | £20 per person (about $25–27), including children & infants |
| Validity | 2 years, or until your US passport expires |
| Stays allowed | Multiple visits, up to 6 months each |
| Do I need it for a layover? | Usually yes — most connections through UK airports require it |
| How to apply | Official UK ETA app or GOV.UK — approval often within minutes, up to 3 days |
Lots of Americans pair London with Paris or Rome. Remember they're separate systems: the UK ETA covers Britain, while the Schengen area (France, Italy, Spain…) has its own ETIAS (not required yet) and the 90/180-day rule. Your days in the UK don't count toward your Schengen 90 — they're tracked separately.
Yes. American passport holders need a UK ETA before traveling to the UK, including for short visits and most airport layovers. It costs £20, is valid two years, and is applied for online through the official UK ETA app or GOV.UK.
They're separate systems for separate countries, but the concept is identical: a quick online pre-authorization for visa-exempt travelers. If you've applied for a US ESTA, the UK ETA process will feel very familiar.
In most cases, yes — travelers passing through UK airports generally need an ETA even without clearing immigration. Check your specific airport and airline, but plan on needing one for any UK connection.
Apply at least a few days before travel. Many approvals come within minutes, but the UK advises allowing up to three working days, so don't leave it to the airport.