Flying to London for a Meeting or as a Tourist? You Must Complete the New On-Line ETA Visa Waiver Form


Beginning January 8, 2025, visitors from the United States (as well as from other countries) traveling to anywhere in the United Kingdom will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (“ETA”) prior to travel, regardless of age. Also, passengers who are merely transiting through an airport in the UK will need the ETA as well.

General Requirements

To apply, you need:

You will need to upload or take photos of:

You do not need to enter your travel itinerary.

Duration

ETAs are valid fortwo (2) years after issuance or when the individual’s passport expires – whichever is earlier. ETAs allow multiple entries and stays for no longer than 6 months.

Processing Times

Applications are usually approved within 72 hours. However it may take less or more time, so apply earlier rather than later.

Practice Pointers

Next Up, Europe: ETIAS Travel to the European Union Delayed to Spring 2025

The European Union’s Travel Information and Authorization System (“ETIAS”) has been delayed but is expected to go into effect in the Spring of 2025. Additional information can be found here.

Yancy Meneses also contributed to this article.


Copyright © 2025, Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP.
National Law Review, Volume XIV, Number 346