UK ETA Application

As of January 8, 2025, all travelers to the United Kingdom on a USA passport are required to get a UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter the country. It feels like a money grab, and it probably is, but it is also a response to the US requiring something similar when people visit America. However, since all American passport holders are now required to have this in advance, and all European passport holders must do so on or after April 5, 2025, it is good to understand the process. I am traveling to the UK in mid-January, so recently completed my UK ETA application. I'll outline my experience below.

1/19/24: Before we could even publish this, the UK changed the requirements. Transit passengers no longer need a UK ETA, but the cost of everyone else has increased to £16.

What Is The UK ETA?

The UK ETA application is an online request to travel to the United Kingdom. It was initially also required for people just transiting through a UK airport, but that has been quickly removed as a requirement. As long as you don't exit the secured area of the airport you will not need a UK ETA. If you are booked on two separate airlines, and need to grab luggage at the airport, then you will still need to apply for one. Since you will be leaving the secured area to get your luggage and then would need to go through security.

The semi-good news is that the UK ETA is valid for 2 years from date of approval. It also allows the permit holder to visit or transit the UK as many times as you wish and to stay in the UK for up to 6 months at a time for tourism, family visits, and other things. This is much better than having to fill one out for each trip.

Luckily, the cost of the UK ETA is only £10, which is around ~$12.50 at the time of this writing.

The Application Process

The easiest way to fill out the UK ETA application is to download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Here is what you will need to have handy when going through the process:

• Passport
• A valid credit card
• Access to your emai
• Be prepared for a passport-style selfie photo, with no visible shadows and a plain, white background.

Once you submit your passport info, email address, and pay the requested fee, your application is complete. You should hear a response within three (3) business days. Just sit back, relax, and wait your your decision. Remember the timeline and that you will need to apply in advance of your trip to be safe. This isn't something you will want to do on your flight or the night before etc. like you can with some other entry form requirements.

My Experience

Having heard that the UK ETA application was fairly seamless, I waited a while to submit my application. Less than a week before travel, I decided to sit down and do it. Overall, it was pretty easy, as the app works rather well. One thing to note was it allowed for automatic passport detail connectivity via the electronic chip in your passport. Unfortunately, that did not work for me and I have yet to hear a data point of it working. No harm, no foul though, as it only took a minute or so up manually enter my passport details. Hopefully that is something they are working to fix in the near future.

Like many applications, the most difficult piece of the puzzle was the passport-style photo. I had a difficult time with the lighting in my office. I kept trying different angles and walking around for different lighting. This was quite difficult, since the photo also requires a clean, neutral backdrop. After a few minutes, I got a picture to work and I was on my way.

I paid for the UK ETA with my Venture X Business card, so I would earn 2x on the expense. My total charge was $12.98.

I clicked submit and my UK ETA application was pending. But I didn't have to wait long, as my approval came sixteen (16) minutes later. The email confirmation stated that no copies of the approval were required and it was “attached” to my passport.

Upon arrival at London Heathrow, it was as if nothing had changed. I completed customs / immigration without any questions or need to show anything. I assume if you fail to complete the application in advance, you will encounter problems.

One thing I need to remind myself is to set a calendar reminder for the 2 year deadline. Other than the email confirmation, I have nothing that confirms the UK ETA is valid for 2 years and / or when it expires.

UK ETA Application: ToP Thoughts

While I am super glad the process is seamless, it really feels like a money grab by the UK. While I can't say I blame them too much, it does feel unnecessary to charge every arriving passenger £10. Of course, it could be a lot worse and it is nice that it is multi-use for 2 years.

Have you applied for a UK ETA? How was your experience? Let us know over in our Facebook group.