United States
United Kingdom
United Kingdom visa for US citizens
Entry requirement
US citizens do not need a visa for the United Kingdom, but they need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) before departure; it covers stays of up to 180 days.
- Maximum stay
- 180 days
- Where to apply
- 9 missions
- Visa guide
- United Kingdom visa guide
Checked 7 November 2026 · Passport Index · Confirm at gov.uk
Which United Kingdom visa?
Electronic travel authorisation (ETA)
Key facts
- Maximum stay
- Up to 6 months per visit
- Fee
- £20
- Processing time
- Usually within a day, up to 3 working days
Apply on GOV.UK – Apply for an electronic travel authorisation
All visa types for the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom’s ETA costs £20 at the standard rate published by its authorities; the official site for it is gov.uk. Processing time, as the United Kingdom states it: Usually within a day, up to 3 working days. Longest stay on the ETA: Up to 6 months per visit.
Where to apply in United States
- Embassy of the United Kingdom in Washington D.C.
Massachusetts Avenue Northwest 3100, 20008 Washington
Today 00:00–24:00 -
- Consulate General of the United Kingdom in Atlanta
Peachtree Street Northeast 133, 30303 Atlanta
Today 00:00–24:00 - Consulate General of the United Kingdom in Houston
Fannin Street 1301, 77002 Houston
Today 00:00–24:00 - Consulate General of the United Kingdom in Chicago
North Michigan Avenue 625, 60611 Chicago
Today 00:00–24:00 -
- Consulate General of the United Kingdom in New York
Second Avenue 885, 10017 New York
Today 00:00–24:00 - Consulate General of the United Kingdom in Los Angeles
Century Park East 2029, 90067 Los Angeles
Today 00:00–24:00 - Consulate General of the United Kingdom in San Francisco
Sansome Street 1, 94104 San Francisco
Today 00:00–24:00
British citizens travelling to the United States
United KingdomUnited States Electronic travel authorisation (ETA) United States visa for citizens of the United Kingdom
Travel advice for the United Kingdom
- US State Department Level 2: Exercise increased caution
- German Foreign Office No travel warning
What the US, British and German foreign ministries tell their own citizens about travelling there, in each ministry’s own terms.
US citizens planning a trip to the United Kingdom can compare how foreign ministries rate it: the US State Department rates the United Kingdom at Level 2, exercise increased caution (updated 8 September 2026) and the German Foreign Office has no travel warning for the United Kingdom (updated 13 October 2026).
Good to know
How long US citizens can stay in the United Kingdom
US citizens may stay in the United Kingdom for up to 180 days. The stay granted is recorded on entry to the United Kingdom.
How US citizens apply
US citizens apply for the ETA for the United Kingdom online on its official government portal before departure; it is linked to the passport they travel with.
The United Kingdom’s neighbours for US citizens
Ireland admits US citizens visa-free.
British citizens travelling to the United States
Before flying to the United States, British citizens must obtain an ETA online; stays of up to 90 days are allowed. The rule is the same in both directions between the United States and the United Kingdom.
Frequently asked questions
Do US citizens need a visa for the United Kingdom?
US citizens do not need a visa for the United Kingdom, but they need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) before departure; it covers stays of up to 180 days.
How long can US citizens stay in the United Kingdom?
US citizens can stay in the United Kingdom for up to 180 days with an ETA.
How much does the United Kingdom ETA cost?
The United Kingdom’s official sources give a standard fee of £20 for the ETA. Processing time: Usually within a day, up to 3 working days.
Do British citizens need a visa for the United States?
Before flying to the United States, British citizens must obtain an ETA online; stays of up to 90 days are allowed.
Can US citizens enter the United Kingdom visa-free?
No; US citizens need an ETA for the United Kingdom.
Visa data: Passport Index via passport-index-data, as of 7 November 2026. Rules change, sometimes overnight. Confirm with the embassy or the official government portal before you book.