The ETA is now mandatory for US, Canadian, Australian, Japanese and most visa-free nationals boarding a flight to the UK. It costs £20, lasts two years, comes back in 72 hours. Anyone who shows up at the United, British or Delta counter without an approved ETA will not board — the airline blocks check-in at the gate.
The ETA is now mandatory for US, Canadian, Australian, Japanese and most visa-free nationals boarding a flight to the UK. It costs £20, lasts two years, comes back in 72 hours. Anyone who shows up at the United, British or Delta counter without an approved ETA will not board — the airline blocks check-in at the gate.
The US ETA requirement to enter the UK became active on **8 January 2025** — anyone who boards without one is turned away at check-in by the airline (United, British Airways, Delta, Virgin Atlantic).
Official cost: **£20** (raised from £10 on 9 April 2025), about **USD 25** at the May 2026 exchange rate.
Validity: **2 years** or until the passport expires (whichever comes first). Each visit may last up to **6 months**.
Typical approval: **72 hours**, but can take up to **3 weeks** during the European summer peak — apply at least a month before the flight.
Refusal rate: **about 2%**, almost always due to undeclared criminal records or a non-biometric facial photo.
The ETA is now mandatory for US, Canadian, Australian, Japanese and most visa-free nationals boarding a flight to the UK. It costs £20, lasts two years, comes back in 72 hours. Anyone who shows up at the United, British or Delta counter without an approved ETA will not board — the airline blocks check-in at the gate.
