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UK requires US travellers to obtain ETA

-requirement came into effect Jan. 8
January 10th, 2026 | Tags: United Kingdom United States BOTs Irelend Eta traveling
Effective January 8, 2026, all travellers to the United Kingdom (UK) from the United States (US) are required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) if they do not have a UK visa or legal residency in the UK or the Republic of Ireland. Photo: Internet Source
UK Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Mike A. Tapp, said in November 2025, that ETAs grant them greater power to stop those who pose a threat from setting foot in the country. Photo: UK Government
UK Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Mike A. Tapp, said in November 2025, that ETAs grant them greater power to stop those who pose a threat from setting foot in the country. Photo: UK Government
LONDON, England, UK- Effective January 8, 2026, all travellers to the United Kingdom (UK) from the United States (US) are required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) if they do not have a UK visa or legal residency in the UK or the Republic of Ireland.

UK Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Mike A. Tapp, said in November 2025, "ETAs give us greater power to stop those who pose a threat from setting foot in the country and gives us a fuller picture of immigration...ETAs are also better for travellers. Digitising the immigration system ensures the millions of people we welcome to the UK every year enjoy a more seamless travel experience."

The need for the ETA is a significant step towards digitising the immigration system and paves the way for a contactless UK border in the future, the UK government said. 

This requirement applies to all parts of the UK, including Northern Ireland.

British and Irish citizens, including dual citizens, are exempt from needing an ETA.

Other countries also now need ETAs 

The US Embassy and Consulates in the UK said ETA's are required for travellers to the UK on short visits, tourism, or business, including those just passing through UK airports. This requirement applies to all parts of the UK, including Northern Ireland and British Overseas Territories.

According to the consulate, an ETA: 

  • May take up to three working days to process.
  • Costs £10 ($12.75).
  • Is required for travellers of all ages.
  • Is valid for two years or the remaining period of validity on a passport, whichever is shorter; and
  • Does not require travel details.

There are also several other countries whose citizens require an ETA to enter the UK, including Canada, Mexico, Australia and Brazil.

9 Responses to “UK requires US travellers to obtain ETA”

  • School children are saying that ... (10/01/2026, 08:44) Like (5) Dislike (5) Reply
    ... if you fly to France and then go to the UK on a small boat then you don't need an ETA, don't need a passport, and you will be accomodated on a full board basis in a hotel for as long as you want to stay.
    • Ohk (10/01/2026, 20:42) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Thanks for letting us know. I will report this to the Foreign Commonwealth Office asap.
  • Finally. (10/01/2026, 10:08) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    Agreed 100%. U.S can't have all these rules and requirements for people to enter their country, while there people walk freely into other people country..
  • yrral (10/01/2026, 11:16) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    American do respect insecure people,they only respect people that confront them
  • dog man (10/01/2026, 11:17) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Where do the money go ? If I am visiting one of the over sea islands, so y DO U.K getting the application fee ? What percentage go too the over sea islands!
  • ?? (10/01/2026, 11:41) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Is this also for USVI Citizens, coming to the BVI
    • Dont think so (10/01/2026, 15:40) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
      Remember England is no longer part of UK....Brexit happened
  • Not BVI (10/01/2026, 13:27) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    All travelers going to the United Kingdom!!!


    American going to England.
  • lodger (10/01/2026, 17:00) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Hope they include Trump and his minions.


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