Pedestrians shelter from the rain under umbrellas as they walk past the Elizabeth Tower, famous for its clock chime, Big Ben, at the Palace of Westminster, home of Parliament, in London on February 22, 2024.
Henry Nicholls | AFP | Getty Images
If you are traveling to the UK as early as this week, you may need to apply online for travel authorization before you leave.
Starting Wednesday, the U.K. will require U.S. citizens, Canadian citizens and citizens of more than three dozen other countries to have a so-called electronic travel authorization, or ETA.
Here’s what travelers need to know:
What is an electronic travel authorization?
An ETA is a pre-authorisation for travelers from countries for which the UK does not require visas.
The United Kingdom launched the program in 2024 for citizens from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. It will take effect in a number of additional countries on Wednesday.
Passengers will still need to check their immigration status upon arrival. The US requires an ETA for citizens of European Union countries, the United Kingdom, and other countries whose citizens do not require a visa to enter. Later in 2025, EU countries will require them from US citizens and citizens of other countries with similar criteria.
You do not need an ETA if you have a visa and are authorized to live, work or study in the UK
How do I get it?
You can apply online via the UK ETA application for Android and iPhone. The application costs £10 (about US$12.50) and is valid for two years and for visits up to six months. The fee is paid by credit card.
Travelers will need to upload photos of their passport and themselves to check in.
How long does it take?
Applicants could wait about three days for a decision sent by email.
What about the children?
Everyone eligible for an ETA will need one, including babies and children.
What if I’m connecting in the UK?
You will need an ETA even if you are traveling to a UK airport for a connection to another country.
