Intel: The UK’s ‘Visa’ for Americans Starts January 8th!
If you’re headed to the United Kingdom, you likely need this.
Starting January 8th, 2025, Americans (amongst a host of other nationalities), are required to apply for an “Electronic Travel Authorization” (ETA), which is a sort of pre-clearance visa-lite.
This is important to note, as Americans have traveled freely to England, Scotland, Wales, & Northern Ireland for years without any authorization whatsoever.
If you’ve ever applied for Australia or New Zealand’s ETA, the process is similar: you’ll have to use their app, take an actual photo of your passport from the app, and a selfie as well. It typically takes 3 days to process, and will be valid for two years. There’s a 10 GBP fee. Note: you won’t be allowed to travel unless you have this authorization.
Travellers to the European Union will also have to apply for a similar authorization in 2025, though the date of implementation keeps getting delayed. For now, if you are traveling on or after January 8th to the UK – even if you are just transiting in the airport – you must apply for the UK ETA.
More details, and how to download the app:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta
Photo Source: YouTube
In each publication, Syllogi will share various tips, resources, and other odd bits of helpful information we have happened across in our research.
