United States to United Kingdom tourist visa
Complete UK Electronic Travel Authorisation guide for American travelers. Apply online for £20, receive a decision usually within a day, and visit the UK for up to 6 months. Updated July 2026.
- Visa
- United Kingdom ETA
- Fee
- £20
- Processing time
- Usually 1 day, up to 3 working days
- Length of stay
- Up to 6 months
Required documents
- Valid US Passport — A valid US passport is required to apply for and travel with an ETA
- Email Address — A valid email address to receive your ETA decision and reference number
- Digital Photo — A recent photograph of your face taken during the application process
- Payment Method — A valid payment method to pay the £16 application fee
- Suitability Questions — You must answer questions about your background and eligibility to enter the UK
How to apply
- Sightseeing and visiting attractions — Sightseeing and visiting attractions
- Attending events, concerts, or sports — Attending events, concerts, or sports matches
- Holiday and vacation travel — Holiday and vacation travel
- Staying with family or friends — Staying with family or friends
- Attending family events such as — Attending family events such as weddings
- Attending meetings, conferences, or seminars — Attending meetings, conferences, or seminars
Common questions
- Do US citizens need a visa to visit the UK?
- No. US citizens do not need a visa for tourist visits of up to 6 months. However, you must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before traveling to the UK. The ETA costs £16 and is valid for 2 years.
- How long does UK ETA approval take for Americans?
- Most ETA applications receive an automatic decision within minutes. However, some applications may take up to 3 working days if additional review is required. Apply at least 3 days before your planned travel.
- How much does the UK ETA cost for US citizens?
- The UK ETA costs £16 (approximately $20 USD). This fee is the same regardless of whether you apply through the UK ETA app or the gov.uk website.
- How long is the UK ETA valid?
- The ETA is valid for 2 years from the date of issue, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. During this time, you can make unlimited trips to the UK, with each visit lasting up to 6 months.
- Can I work in the UK on an ETA?
- No. The ETA only permits tourism, visiting family or friends, business activities (meetings, conferences), short-term study, and transit. You cannot work, paid or unpaid, for a UK employer. If you need to work, you must apply for an appropriate work visa.
- What happens if my UK ETA is refused?
- If your ETA is refused, you cannot appeal the decision. However, you can apply for a Standard Visitor Visa instead, which allows you to provide additional evidence and context for your application. ETA refusal does not prevent you from obtaining a visa.