The British electronic travel authorization became fully enforced in February 2026. It costs £20, lasts two years, and is NOT a visa. Here is what Americans need to know before flying to London.
The British electronic travel authorization became fully enforced in February 2026. It costs £20, lasts two years, and is NOT a visa. Here is what Americans need to know before flying to London.
The ETA has been mandatory and checked at boarding since **February 25, 2026**. Without a valid ETA, the airline refuses to let you check in.
**Americans need an ETA** for any trip of up to six months involving tourism, short business, family visits, or short study in the United Kingdom. It is not a visa: U.S. citizens remain visa-exempt for short stays.
The cost is **£20 per person** (up from £16 on April 8, 2026). Every traveler needs their own ETA, including babies and children.
Validity is **two years OR until your passport expires**, whichever comes first. It allows multiple entries.
Each visit can last **up to six months**. The ETA does not grant the right to live, take long-term employment, or enroll in a long study program.
The British electronic travel authorization became fully enforced in February 2026. It costs £20, lasts two years, and is NOT a visa. Here is what Americans need to know before flying to London.
