Travel Rules For Americans Visiting The United Kingdom

As of January 2025, American citizens will need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter the United Kingdom. This requirement applies to all visitors who can travel to the UK visa-free, including those from the US, Canada, Australia, and other countries. The ETA costs £10 and is valid for multiple entries for up to six months over a two-year period. It should be noted that this requirement is separate from the UK's Registered Traveller Service (RTS), which allows US citizens to use the ePassport Gates on arrival. While Americans are allowed to travel to the UK, there may be specific requirements or restrictions in place, such as those related to passport validity or quarantine rules.

Do Americans need a negative COVID-19 test to enter the UK?

As of June 2022, Americans are allowed to travel to the UK. However, starting in January 2025, the UK will require travelers to obtain a new electronic travel authorization (ETA) to enter the country. This requirement applies to all visitors who can travel to the UK visa-free, including Americans. An ETA costs £10 and is valid for multiple entries for up to six months over a two-year period.

Regarding COVID-19 testing, currently, there are no testing requirements for entry into the UK. The CDC no longer requires travelers to present a negative COVID-19 test or documentation of recovery from COVID before arrival in the US. However, it is always good to stay updated with the latest travel advisories and requirements, as these are subject to change.

As of January 2025, Americans will need to obtain an ETA to enter the UK. This requirement applies to all visitors, regardless of age, who can travel to the UK visa-free. An ETA can be obtained online before traveling, and travelers will be required to upload a photo. The ETA is expected to take up to three business days to obtain and will cost £10, allowing multiple entries for up to six months over two years.

It is important to note that while COVID-19 testing is not currently required for entry into the UK, travelers should stay updated with the latest advisories as requirements can change. Additionally, individual airlines may have their own requirements for testing or proof of recovery from COVID-19, so it is essential to check with your specific airline before traveling.

Do Americans need to quarantine when entering the UK?

As of 2021, U.S. citizens travelling to the UK were required to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in the country. This was due to the high number of coronavirus cases in the U.S. at the time. However, there were plans to implement a travel corridor between New York City and London that would have reduced the quarantine period for travellers.

Fast forward to 2024, and the rules have changed. From January 2025, Americans will need to obtain a new electronic travel authorization (ETA) to enter the UK. This will cost £10 (or $13) and will be valid for multiple entries over a two-year period, with each entry allowing a stay of up to six months. This requirement will apply to all U.S. citizens, regardless of age, who can travel to the UK visa-free. It's important to note that an ETA is not a visa, so Americans will maintain their visa-free status but will still need to obtain the ETA before crossing the UK border. Applications for the ETA can be made online starting from November 27, 2024, for travel from January 8, 2025.

It's always a good idea to check the latest government advice before travelling, as these requirements may change or be updated. The UK government and the U.S. Embassy in the UK are good sources of information for travellers.

Do Americans need to be fully vaccinated to enter the UK?

As of 2022, Americans are allowed to enter the UK if they are fully vaccinated. They must have their vaccine card, and will also need to take a pre-departure COVID-19 test within 72 hours of departure, fill out a Passenger Locator Form, and pre-book and take a PCR test on or before day two of arriving in the UK.

From January 2025, all visitors to the UK who can travel there visa-free, including Americans, will need to obtain a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the country. An ETA will cost 10 pounds and be valid for multiple entries of up to six months over a two-year period.

In terms of passport validity, the US has allowed British travellers to visit without a minimum spell of validity on their passport. In principle, a UK citizen could arrive on the day before their passport expired, be legally admitted, and then fly back to arrive in the UK on the expiry date. However, some airlines such as British Airways have applied their own rules on passport validity, which has caused confusion for travellers.

What are the UK's current COVID-19 restrictions?

As of January 8, 2025, the United Kingdom will require all travelers from the US to obtain a new electronic travel authorization (ETA) to enter the country. This requirement applies to all visitors, regardless of age, who can travel to the UK visa-free. An ETA will cost £10 and will be valid for multiple entries of up to six months over a two-year period.

Regarding COVID-19 restrictions in the UK, national restrictions apply until further notice. Here are the current COVID-19 restrictions in the UK:

• Stay at home: Only leave your home for essential reasons such as food, medical needs, exercise, education, or work.
• Avoid all non-essential travel.
• Do not meet up with other households, including in outdoor spaces and cars, except for the permitted reasons outlined on the gov.uk/coronavirus website.
• Self-isolate if you have symptoms: If you experience COVID-19 symptoms, you must self-isolate by law and get tested.
• Work from home if possible.
• Follow general hygiene and safety measures: Remember to wash your hands frequently, cover your face when necessary, and maintain a safe distance from others.

Please note that COVID-19 restrictions in the UK are subject to change, and you should refer to official government sources for the most up-to-date information.

Can Americans travel to the UK without restrictions?

From June 2019, U.S. passport holders have been able to use the ePassport Gates upon arrival in the United Kingdom. Additionally, U.S. citizens who had previously registered for the UK’s Registered Traveller Service (RTS) should use the ePassport Gates when arriving in the UK.

However, starting in January 2025, the United Kingdom will require all travellers to obtain a new electronic travel authorization (ETA) to enter the country. This requirement applies to all visitors, regardless of age, who can travel to the UK visa-free, including Americans. This requirement has been in place for visitors from the Gulf Cooperation Council states since early 2024 and will be expanded to the rest of the EU in April 2025.

The ETA will cost £10 (approximately $13) and will be valid for multiple entries of up to six months over a two-year period. Travellers must apply for an ETA online before travelling and will be required to upload a photo. According to UK officials, it will take up to three business days to obtain.

It is important to note that the ETA is not a visa, and Americans will maintain their visa-free status but will need an ETA to cross the UK border.

Frequently asked questions