As of January 8, 2025, U.S. Citizens need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to travel to the United Kingdom for short visits, tourism, or business.
How to apply for an ETA:
While most applications are approved the same day, it can take up to 72 hours—so don't risk leaving it to the last minute.
ETIAS will start operations in the last quarter of 2026.
No action is required from travelers at this point.
ETIAS is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals traveling to any of these 30 European countries. It is linked to a traveler’s passport. It is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new ETIAS travel authorization.