Entry/Exit Requirements

Entry Requirements at a Glance

How different passports are treated entering United Kingdom. Don't see yours? Check any passport instantly »

Passport	Requirement	Typical stay	Approval Rate
Australia	eTA	180 days	75.8%
Bangladesh	Online visa required	180 days	45.9%
Brazil	eTA	180 days	70.3%
Canada	eTA	180 days	83.0%
China	Online visa required	180 days	91.8%
Germany	eTA	180 days	74.5%
India	Online visa required	180 days	81.9%
Nigeria	Online visa required	180 days	61.4%
Philippines	Online visa required	180 days	85.7%
Singapore	eTA	180 days	66.7%
United Arab Emirates	eTA	180 days	98.3%
United States of America	eTA	180 days	65.3%
Vietnam	Online visa required	180 days	85.6%

Sourced from live visa requirement data. Provided for general guidance only and may not reflect the latest rule changes — confirm with the relevant embassy or consulate before booking travel. Approval rates link to the full Visa Statistics breakdown.

United Kingdom Visa FAQ

Do U.S. citizens need a UK ETA?

Yes. Since ETAs became mandatory for U.S. citizens in January 2025, anyone visiting the UK for tourism, business, or a short visit needs an approved ETA before boarding their flight, unless they already hold a UK visa or UK/Irish residency.

How much does the UK ETA cost, and how do I apply?

The ETA costs £20 per applicant. Apply directly through gov.uk or the official UK ETA app — most applications are approved within minutes, though it can take up to 3 business days. Avoid third-party websites, which often charge extra for the same service.

How long is a UK ETA valid, and how long can I stay in the UK on one?

An ETA is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever happens first, and covers multiple trips during that window. Each individual visit is capped at up to 6 months, regardless of how much time is left on the ETA itself.

Do I still need a visa to visit the UK if I have an ETA?

No, for tourism or business trips of up to 6 months the ETA is your entry authorization and no separate visa is required. A visa is only needed if you plan to stay longer than 6 months, work, or study for an extended period.

Do I need to declare cash when entering the UK?

Yes, if you are carrying £10,000 or more (or the equivalent in another currency) between Great Britain and a country outside the UK. Declare online up to 72 hours before you travel, or at the "goods to declare" channel on arrival; failing to declare can mean the cash is seized.

Source: GOV.UK — Apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA); GOV.UK — Take Cash In and Out of the UK; U.S. Department of State — United Kingdom Travel Advisory.

United Kingdom Entry/Exit General Information

Before traveling to the United Kingdom, U.S. citizens should confirm their passport will remain valid for the full length of their trip and, as a precaution, carry at least one blank page for any entry stamp Border Force may apply. The UK does not require extra "six months past your return date" validity the way many countries do, but airlines and border officers still expect a passport that is clearly good through your entire visit.

Since January 2025, every U.S. citizen visiting the UK for tourism, business, or a short-term visit of up to 6 months needs an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) approved before departure, and this applies even to travelers just connecting through a UK airport. The ETA costs £20, covers multiple trips over 2 years (or until your passport expires, whichever comes first), and allows stays of up to 6 months per visit. It is not a visa: for ordinary tourism and business travel it simply authorizes you to board your flight and seek entry. Apply only through the official gov.uk website or the UK ETA app; most decisions come back within minutes. A full UK visa is only necessary if you are staying longer than 6 months, working, or studying on a long-term basis.

If you are carrying £10,000 or more in cash (or the equivalent in any currency) into or out of Great Britain from outside the UK, you are required to declare it in advance online or in person at the red "goods to declare" channel when you arrive. Undeclared cash above the threshold can be seized on the spot.

For consular matters, passport issues, or visa questions, U.S. citizens can contact the British Embassy in Washington, D.C. For the latest official entry requirements and any travel alerts, check the U.S. Department of State's UK country page before you go.