In 2025, there will be a new fee and form for Americans traveling to London

Starting January 8, 2025, Americans traveling to London or anywhere in the United Kingdom will need to apply for an ETA — an electronic travel authorization — before arriving.

Technically it is not a visa and the UK Visas and Immigration Services makes this clear as it does not replace existing visa requirements for travelers from countries that require a visa.

However, the situation is similar for American travelers, as we currently do not require any paperwork and do not incur any costs when entering Great Britain

American travelers must now pay $10 to apply for the ETA, and every traveler, regardless of age, must apply for one before being granted entry into the country (adults can apply on behalf of children and the elderly ). No refunds will be given.

The ETA gives each traveler up to 6 months in the UK for “tourism, visits to family and friends, business trips or short-term study”.

To apply you will need your passport, a payment method and access to an email account. Travelers must upload photos of their passport and face as part of the application.

The decision on the application will be made within three days or less. If approved, the ETA is valid for two years and you can travel to the UK as often as you like during this time (but not longer than six months).

If you need to travel spontaneously, you can travel to the UK while your ETA application is still pending. However, you must submit the application before your departure from the United States.

The UK Visas and Immigration Department has created an app that travelers can use to apply for the ETA. You can find out more about the application process here.

All in all, it’s not the end of the world, but American travelers should be aware of the additional costs and, moreover, consider doing so before crossing the pond.