United Kingdom Visa Requirements for American Citizens (2026)
American travellers need an online travel authorization before flying to United Kingdom. Maximum stay: 180 days. Cost: GBP 16. Every number on this page carries the date we last verified it.
Required documents
- A valid passport or travel document. [2]
- Documents that demonstrate your personal circumstances, such as your employment, studies or family ties. [2]
Fees & processing
| Visa fee | GBP 16 — publisher=Home Office * eTA fee is £16 |
|---|---|
| Processing | ~90 working days |
⚠ Official-source material indicates “£20 GBP” — this value is being re-verified. Follow the official portal.
From official-portal extracts (captured ):
- •The ETA fee is £16.
- •Other websites may charge more to apply, so use only the official service. [4]
How to apply
- Check whether you need an ETA or a visa for the reason you are visiting. [4]
- Apply for the ETA online through the official gov.uk service. [4]
- If you will pass through UK border control but leave the UK within 48 hours, apply for a Visitor in Transit visa instead. [5]
Before you fly
- •An ETA lets you travel to the UK, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man for up to 6 months. [4]
- •An ETA does not guarantee entry to the UK. [4]
- •If you pass through UK border control but leave the UK within 48 hours, you need a Visitor in Transit visa. [5]
Full United Kingdom entry guide — customs, health, long stays — on the destination page.
Conditions & fine print
- •6 months on each visit in 2-year period if granted.
- •Up to 90 days if arriving from Ireland (Common Travel Area)
Watch out for
Other websites may charge more to apply, so avoid sites that imitate government services. [4]
You can be refused entry if the officer is not satisfied you are a genuine visitor or that you have sufficient funds for the visit (refusal codes A2 and A1). [1]
You can be refused entry for lacking a required visa or entry clearance (refusal code E4). [1]
Recent changes
- · confirmedIn 2024, it was announced that Diplomatic Visa Arrangement (DVA) visitor visas will be introduced to replace DVWs.
- · confirmedDVAs will be required from the following countries’ specified passport holders from 11 March, 2025:
- · upcomingSince 1 July 2026, all successful visa applicants will be issued only an e-Visa.
- · confirmedJordan
- · confirmedBahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates
- · confirmedQatar
- · confirmedDominica, Honduras, Namibia, Timor-Leste and Vanuatu
- · confirmedGuyana and Peru (resumed)
- · confirmedBahrain and Saudi Arabia
- · confirmedEl Salvador
- · confirmedKuwait
- · confirmedIndonesia <small>(diplomatic passports)</small>
Frequently asked
How long can American citizens stay in United Kingdom?
Up to 180 days.
How much does it cost?
GBP 16 — publisher=Home Office * eTA fee is £16.
What documents are required?
A valid passport or travel document.; Documents that demonstrate your personal circumstances, such as your employment, studies or family ties..
Do I need a visa or an ETA?
Most visitors from the USA need an ETA rather than a visa, for tourism, visiting family or certain other reasons.
How do I apply for the ETA?
Apply online through the official Home Office ETA service; other websites may charge more and imitate government services.
What if I am only transiting through the UK?
If you go through UK border control but leave within 48 hours, apply for a Visitor in Transit visa.
Sources & last verified
Fact data cross-checked against English Wikipedia “Visa requirements for United States citizens” and “Visa policy of the United Kingdom”, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0 — attribution, not copied text.
Official-source extracts captured : [1] gov.uk [2] gov.uk [3] gov.uk [4] gov.uk [5] gov.uk [6] gov.uk [7] gov.uk [8] gov.uk [9] gov.uk [10] gov.uk. Attribution to the publishing agencies; every bracketed number above points to its row here.
Last verified: . Entries, fees and rules change — confirm on the official portal before you travel.
This is general travel information, not legal or immigration advice. Rules change and enforcement varies at the border — always confirm on the official portal before you travel.