Hopefully I gifted this article correctly.
Looks like the cost is about $12.50 USD, good for two years, and takes about 72 hours to process , which could impede last-minute travel. It's required even if one is connecting through Heathrow to another destination.
The US has a similar requirement for foreigners who don't require a visa.
Just add one more item to the travel checklist.
Thanks for posting!
Hi Pat,
I was not able to read the article but thanks for this information.
According to the official website, www.gov.uk, U.S. citizens may apply for the ETA starting November 27, 2024.
I'll try again.
"takes about 72 hours to process , which could impede last-minute travel."
Actually it shouldn't- you can travel as long as you've submitted an application:
"You must apply for an ETA before you travel to the UK. You can travel to the UK while waiting for a decision."
Here is the official UK government page on ETA.
Yes, US and Canadian (and Australian and New Zealand) citizens can start applying for ETA as of tomorrow (November 27). They will be required for entry for US and Canadian (and Aussie and New Zealand) citizens as of January 8th.
The government page says the easiest way to apply is to use the UK ETA app, available in the Apple App Store or in Google Play.
My guess is that it will take far less than 72 hours to get a decision back. My husband's ESTA for the US usually comes back within 8 or 9 hours, if not faster.
And worth adding that some categories of travelers are exempt, including those with visas and settled status (obviously) and also those with Right of Abode, which is actually quite a broad category.
