Americans Visiting The UK Must Now Apply For A Travel Permit

Up until recently, American travelers have been welcomed to the UK and recently, they could enter without the usual border formalities when using the eGate. However, that is about to change as Britain introduces a travel permit that US travelers will need to enter.

Americans visiting the UK need a travel permit from 2025

Whether heading to London to explore all its attractions or visiting medieval Edinburgh with its castle, Americans have grown to love the UK. For many years, US travelers have been welcomed to the UK. They also skipped the usual border formalities, since the UK started allowing American travelers to use eGates and breeze through passport control.

However, this is set to change after authorities in the UK plan to tighten entry rules for Americans, by making them apply for a travel permit to fly to Britain.

US travelers must apply for a travel permit from 2025

Earlier in 2024, the UK announced that all foreign nationals, who do not currently need visas to enter the UK, would need to apply for a new electronic travel permit. Officials even set out a start date.

However, starting January 8, 2025, foreign nationals from 48 countries, including the US and Canada, will now be subject to a new Entry Travel Authorization (ETA) requirement. What this means is that those boarding UK-bound flights and cruise ships will no longer allowed to enter unless pre-clearance has been obtained.

Meanwhile, the question remains is why is the UK imposing the new ETA on Americans, and how easy it is to get one?

About the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

The ETA is a travel permit that allows travelers to enter Britain. While it is similar to a visa, the ETA is easier to obtain and without all the bureaucratic hurdles that usually imply. While a visa application sees US travelers heading to their local consulate to file documents, submit an application and schedule an interview, the Electronic Travel Authorization can be requested online from home, with minimal documentation.

Basically, all American travelers need is a valid passport, to which the ETA will be linked. They also need a credit card, debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay to pay for the travel permit. Travelers must realize that the ETA isn’t free, but is much cheaper than a formal visa.

Why is the UK imposing a travel permit on US travelers?

Many Americans may not be aware that the United States introduced a similar system, called the ESTA, as early as 2008. For the 16 years that this was imposed many international visitors have had to apply for the online permit before entering the US.

While many would think this is a tit-for-tat move on the UK’s part, it isn’t, as Britain is just falling in line with the new international standard, where ETAs are becoming the norm. Meanwhile, US travelers can start applying for an ETA as early as December 27, 2024, if they plan to travel to the UK on or after January 8, 2025.

Find more information about US citizens applying for an ETA on the British GOV.UK website here.