The European Union’s ETIAS visa waiver is still delayed but is currently on track to roll out in early 2025.

The UK has a new ETA system, ETA, which stands for Electronic Travel Authorization, a new digital registration for travelers who don’t need a visa to enter the UK and you can apply now.

Effective January 8, 2025, all U.S. citizens transiting through or traveling to the United Kingdom for tourism, family visits, business meetings, conferences, or short term study for 6 months or less will require an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) prior to travel

Here’s what you need in order to apply:

• The passport you will travel with with can not a photocopy or digital passport
• An email address
• A credit card, debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay
• It costs £10 to apply. Everyone travelling needs to get an ETA, including seniors, babies and children. You can apply for other people.
• You cannot get a refund after you apply.

You will need to upload or take photos of the passport, and the face of the person that is applying, you do not need to give any travel details. You will then be asked to pay.

First, go to the website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta

Or download the app on the App Store or Google Play

This is a very quick process and once you’ve done it, it is good for two years.

Group applications

Each person must apply separately.

You may get a decision at a different time from others in your group, even if you applied at the same time.

If you need to travel soon

You must apply for an ETA before you travel to the UK. You can travel to the UK while waiting for a decision.

After you apply

You will get an email confirming you have got an ETA. It will be linked to the passport you applied with.

Your ETA lasts for 2 years. You can travel to the UK as many times as you want during that time.

An ETA does not guarantee entry to the UK. You still need to either:

• see a Border Force officer
• use an ePassport gate, if you are eligible

Who does not need an ETA

You do not need an ETA if any of these apply to you:

• you have a visa
• you have permission to live, work or study in the UK (including settled or pre-settled status or right of abode)
• you are a British or Irish citizen
• you are travelling with a British overseas territories citizen passport
• you live in Ireland and you are travelling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man

Dual citizens

If you are a dual citizen with British or Irish citizenship, you do not need an ETA. Prove your permission to travel using your British passport, Irish passport or other passport containing a certificate of entitlement.