Digital authorization required for Americans to travel to U.K. in 2025

Megan Swift
Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024 4:10 p.m. | Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024 4:10 p.m.

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People enjoy the sun as they sit next to the Tower Bridge in London.

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People have their pictures taken on the north bank of the River Thames, against the backdrop of the London Eye, in London.

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A British flag flies over a tourist kiosk on Westminster Bridge with the Elizabeth Tower part of the Palace of Westminster, which contains the bell known as Big Ben, in the background, London.

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The Tower Bridge at dusk, in London,.

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Tourists stand in Parliament Square, against the backdrop of the Elizabeth Tower, commonly known as Big Ben, in London.

Planning a trip to the United Kingdom in 2025? If so, you’ll need more than just a passport.

Starting Jan. 8, American citizens will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization in order to enter the U.K., Time Magazine reported.

“U.S. citizens transiting through or traveling to the United Kingdom for tourism, family visits, business meetings, conferences or short-term study for six months or less will require an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) prior to travel,” according to the U.S. Department of State.

An ETA gives people the ability to be in the U.K. for up to six months without a visa. They last for two years, meaning it can be used as many times as people want during that period of time.

Travelers don’t need an ETA if they have a U.K. visa, or are a British or Irish citizen.

How to apply

People who want to check if they’re eligible to apply for an ETA should check on the U.K. government website. Everyone traveling needs an ETA — including babies and children, the website says.

The quickest way to apply is by using the U.K. ETA phone app, Time said, and the process should take around 10 minutes. People can apply through the website instead as well. Applicants should get a decision within three work days.

On the application, people will have to pay an application fee that’s 10 pounds, or around $13, according to the New York Times, and upload a photograph of themself and a picture of their passport. Travel details aren’t required.