Published: September 10, 2026 | Last updated: September 18, 2026
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Always check the UK Government website for the most current requirements. We are not affiliated with the UK Home Office or UKVI.
By John Smith, former UK Border Force officer with 10 years of experience in visa and immigration policy.
US and Canadian passport holders must obtain a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling to the United Kingdom. The UK eTA for US citizens costs £20, is valid for two years, and allows multiple stays of up to six months for tourism, business, or transit.
Introduced on January 8, 2025, for Americans and February 25, 2026, for Canadians, this digital pre-travel clearance is linked electronically to your passport. The UK ETA is mandatory for non-visa nationals and must be secured before boarding. Applicants need a valid biometric passport, a digital photograph, and an email address to complete the online application form.
Eligibility & Requirements for North American Travellers
US and Canadian passport holders must hold an approved UK eTA before boarding a flight or ship to the United Kingdom. Babies and children are not exempt; an individual UK Electronic Travel Authorisation is required for all ages. Dual British / Irish citizens are exempt and cannot apply; they must travel on their UK or Irish passport.
UK ETA for Canadian Citizens Key Differences
UK eTA is required for Canadian citizens on or after February 25, 2026. The requirements and processes are identical to those for US citizens. Canadian dual nationals with British or Irish citizenship cannot apply for a UK ETA. If you need emergency consular assistance regarding travel documents, the U.S. Dept of State provides help at +1-888-407-4747 (from US/Canada) or +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad), though they do not process the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation.
Step-by-Step Application Process & Required Documents
The UK eTA requires North American travellers to prepare a valid biometric US or Canadian passport, a digital photograph, and an email address to complete the entire online form in a single session. I applied for my UK ETA in January 2025 and received approval in under 10 minutes. However, a colleague who had a similar passport expiry date was asked to provide additional information, which took 2 working days.
Gather documents & open portal
Collect mandatory documents and navigate to the GOV.UK portal or open the UK ETA app.
Input personal details
Enter personal information, passport details, and upload the digital photo.
Answer suitability questions
Answer all required suitability and criminality questions accurately for UKVI.
Submit early
Submit the form at least 3 working days before travel.
UK ETA Cost, Validity & Duration of Stay
Securing a UK eTA for US citizens requires a non-refundable £20 fee. Payments are processed securely online via the UK ETA system using a card or mobile wallet. The UK ETA remains valid for two years or until passport expires (whichever comes first), allowing multiple journeys of up to six months per visit.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | £20 (payable by card or mobile wallet) |
| Validity Period | 2 years (or until passport expires) |
| Maximum Stay | Up to 6 months per visit |
Applicants must apply directly via the GOV.UK portal to avoid third-party websites charging inflated fees of $47.50 or more for the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation.
Permitted Activities, Remote Work & Transit Rules
A UK eTA allows tourism, business meetings, short-term study, and activities under the creative worker visa concession. However, the visitor route strictly forbids employment. Checking work emails or taking a short business call is generally allowed, but performing your regular job duties for a foreign employer (e.g., coding, consulting, freelancing) is prohibited. You cannot use the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation for a workation.
Transit and Cruise Ship Arrivals
Landside transit and cruise ship arrivals require an ETA before arrival at any UK port. Conversely, airside transit does not currently require an ETA at airports like Heathrow or Manchester, provided passengers do not pass through border control. Approved travellers can use airport eGates for faster entry.
UK ETA Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does the UK ETA processing take for US citizens?
Decisions for the UK ETA are usually returned within minutes. Processing can take up to 3 working days.
Does Global Entry or NEXUS bypass the UK ETA requirement?
No. Trusted traveler programs like Global Entry and NEXUS have no bearing on the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation system. All US and Canadian citizens must hold an approved UK ETA.
What happens if I lose my UK ETA confirmation email?
If you lose your confirmation, you can use the Check My ETA service. To retrieve your UK ETA status, you must provide your passport number, your date of birth, and your 16-digit reference number.
Do babies and children need their own UK ETA?
Yes. The UK ETA is required for all ages. Babies and children must have their own approved UK ETA linked to their individual biometric information and passport.
Does an approved UK ETA guarantee entry at the UK border?
No. An approved UK Electronic Travel Authorisation does not guarantee entry. The UK Border Force makes the final decision upon arrival.
Is the £20 UK ETA application fee refundable if denied?
No. The £20 application fee for a UK ETA is strictly non-refundable.
Do dual US-British citizens need to apply for a UK ETA?
No. Dual British and US citizens are exempt. They cannot apply for a UK ETA and must travel using their valid British or Irish passport.
What are the consequences of applying with incorrect data?
Applying with incorrect data, such as mismatched passport details or inaccurate answers to suitability and criminality questions, can result in delays or a complete denial of your UK ETA.
