SchengenClock
Verified June 2026

Do US citizens need a UK ETA?

Yes

US citizens have needed an approved UK ETA since 8 January 2025 to enter or transit the United Kingdom - unless they already hold a UK visa or residency. It costs £20 and lasts 2 years.

Needed?
Yes
Since
8 January 2025
Cost
£20
Validity
2 yrs

What changed for Americans

For years, US passport holders could simply fly to the UK and clear the border with no paperwork. Since 8 January 2025 that is no longer true: you must hold an approved ETA before you board, the same way visitors to the US need an ESTA. The requirement applies to all travel - by air, sea or land - and to every part of the UK, including Northern Ireland and airport transit.

You do not need one if you have a British or Irish passport, an existing UK visa, or permission to live, work or study in the UK.

Doing London + Paris? You need both

The most common American itinerary - a few days in London, then on to Paris, Rome or Barcelona - now spans two separate authorisation systems. The UK ETA (£20) covers the UK leg and is required today. ETIAS (€20) will cover the Schengen leg once it launches, expected from the last quarter of 2026.

They do not overlap and neither replaces the other. Plan the Schengen side with the 90/180 rule, read ETIAS for US citizens, and see the full side-by-side on UK ETA vs ETIAS.

Your UK days are free of the Schengen clock - but your Schengen days are not. Count them with the free 90/180 calculator.

Frequently asked questions

Do US citizens need a UK ETA?

Yes. Since 8 January 2025, US citizens have needed an approved UK ETA to travel to the United Kingdom for short visits, business or even to transit through a UK airport - unless they already hold a UK visa or residency.

How much is the UK ETA for Americans and how long does it last?

£20 per person, valid 2 years or until your passport expires. Within that period you can make multiple trips of up to 6 months each. See the full cost breakdown.

How do US citizens apply for a UK ETA?

Download the official UK ETA app or use gov.uk/eta. You scan your US passport, take a photo, answer a few questions and pay £20. Most approvals are quick, but apply at least three working days before you fly.

I'm visiting London and Paris - do I need ETIAS too?

Yes, you will need both. The UK ETA covers London; ETIAS covers Paris and the rest of the Schengen area. They are separate systems - the UK ETA is required now, and ETIAS for US citizens is expected from the last quarter of 2026. See UK ETA vs ETIAS.

Do my days in the UK count against my Schengen 90/180?

No. The UK is outside Schengen, so a week in London does not use any of your 90 Schengen days. Many US travellers use a UK leg as a break while their Schengen days roll off - the return calculator shows exactly when you can go back.

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