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Europe Visa Check

UK ETA for Americans

UK Electronic Travel Authorisation requirements for United States citizens

Quick Facts

Americans need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to visit the United Kingdom. The UK is separate from the Schengen Area — if visiting both, you'll need both UK ETA and ETIAS.

Requirement UK ETA
Cost £10
Validity 2 years
Processing 3 working days

UK vs Schengen

The UK has its own entry system, separate from Europe's Schengen Area. If you're planning to visit both the UK and Europe, you may need both a UK ETA and ETIAS (or a Schengen visa).

The UK ETA costs £10 and is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires.

UK ETA FAQs for Americans

Do Americans need a UK ETA?
Yes. American citizens need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to visit the United Kingdom.
How much does the UK ETA cost?
The UK ETA costs £10 per person. It's valid for 2 years or until your passport expires.
Is the UK ETA the same as ETIAS?
No. UK ETA is for the United Kingdom only. ETIAS is for Europe's Schengen Area. If visiting both, you need both authorizations.

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