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Travelers will soon have to take an extra step before visiting the United Kingdom, as entry requirements will change for those coming from the U.S. and several other countries.
Starting Jan. 8, 2025, travelers crossing the pond must apply for an electronic travel authorization (ETA) before arriving in the U.K., which consists of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The approval will be required even for those from visa-free countries.
Although the system is effective on Jan. 8, travelers will start applying for an ETA beginning on Nov. 27, 2024, to prepare for their upcoming trips.
The application will involve providing basic personal information, including passport details, a valid email address, and some security information. It can be done online or via the U.K. ETA app, which is available through the Apple Store or Google Play.
According to the U.K., users will have to upload photos of their passports and faces and pay a 10-pound fee of about $13 U.S. dollars.
Government: After applying for an ETA, “you will usually get a decision within three working days, but you may get a quicker decision… Occasionally, it may take longer than three working days.”
ETA approval is delivered via email and is valid for unlimited re-entry in the U.K. for travelers whose passports expire before those two years. Travelers whose passports expire before those two years will be required to apply for another ETA. Once obtained, travelers with an ETA can spend up to six months in the U.K.
Countries that will be required to apply for the U.K. electronic travel authorization include:
Argentina
• Australia
• Bahamas
• Barbados
• Belize
• Brazil
• Canada
• Chile
• Colombia
• Costa Rica
• Japan
• Malaysia
• Mexico
• New Zealand
• Panama
• Singapore
• South Korea
• United States
Visit the U.K.’s official government website for a complete list of countries required to apply for an ETA.
Jessica is a freelance journalist on a quest to see and experience everything our gorgeous planet offers and share her experiences with her fellow travelers. Jessica has written for several world-class Travel Magazines.
