Hello Ambassadors!
As we count the days till we cross the pond for this summer’s European adventures, there is a new critical and time-sensitive item that needs to be on your radar: Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for traveling to the United Kingdom.
Effective January 8, 2025, all US travelers bound for the United Kingdom in any capacity will need an ETA. You won’t be allowed on a plane bound for the UK without one.
So, let’s talk details:
Who needs a UK ETA?
Everyone travelling to the UK needs an ETA, except people who already have a visa, an exempt vignette or have a British or Irish passport. Whether you can apply depends on the date of travel and nationality shown on your passport. (And, yes, this means you need a passport to apply for UK ETA – so if you don’t have your passport yet, we strongly recommend applying for one immediately!)
- United States Passport Holders: Must obtain a UK ETA before departure.
- European Nationals: An ETA is required starting April 2, 2025. The application opens March 5th.
- Non-US Passport Holders: Nationalities that ordinarily require a visa to visit the UK will continue to do so and should not obtain an ETA.
If you need additional guidance and assistance, we recommend CIBT Visas.
What is the cost and processing time?
This is the information we have as of the date of this post. Please note that processing time and price are subject to change.
Decisions are typically received within three business days, though this timing may increase as we approach the summer travel season. Because your UK ETA lasts for two years, we strongly recommend applying as soon as possible.
The cost is £10 GBP, or approximately $13.
What do I need to know to apply?
Before you apply, please consider:
- You can apply through the UK ETA App (recommended) or via the UK ETA website – instructions for each are below.
- Group applications are not available; each person must apply separately.
- You can use the app to apply for an ETA for someone else, but they must be present when submitting because a face scan/picture is mandatory.
- You can only apply and pay for one application at a time.
- Minors (under 18 years) will need to provide contact information for a parent or guardian.
- Once approved, the ETA will be digitally linked to your passport and remains valid for two years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
Apply through the UK ETA app
Required for the Application:
- The physical passport you will travel with to the UK – not a photocopy or digital passport
- Access to the email used for the application (for 2-factor authentication)
- A credit card, debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay
Download the App
- Open the camera on your phone to scan this QR Code
- Or search “UK ETA” in your phone’s app store
Completing the Application:
- Provide your phone, email, address and general info
- Answer questions about your job or status as a student, criminal history and other nationalities
- Submit payment through the app
Confirm the accuracy of all details!
All details must match the passport to prevent delays or denial.
A confirmation email for each submission will be sent to the email entered on the application.
Apply online
Required for the Application:
- Take or upload a photo of the passport you will use to travel to the UK.
- A credit card, debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay
Completing the Application:
- Provide your phone, email, address and general info
- Take or upload a photo of yourself. Children aged 9 and under will not be asked to scan their face.
- Answer questions about your job or status as a student, criminal history and other nationalities
- Submit payment online
What about ETIAS?
We’ve also received questions about the upcoming European Travel Information and Authorization System, or ETIAS, which will be a mandatory entry requirement for visa-exempt travelers to most European nations.
However, this is not in place yet and will not be in place before our 2025 Ambassadors of Music trips – so no need for you to worry about ETIAS!
Once you’ve received your UK ETA approval, you’re one step closer to a summer full of Ambassadors adventures – we can’t wait!