Visa Requirements
Do American citizens need a visa for United Kingdom?
Official Requirement
eTA required
for United States citizens travelling to United Kingdom
Many visitors to the United Kingdom who do not require a visa must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling. The ETA is linked to the holder passport and permits stays of up to 6 months for tourism, family visits, and certain other purposes. An ETA does not guarantee entry, which remains at the discretion of border officials.
Last checked 5 months ago (19 April 2026)
We are not a government authority. Requirements change without notice. Always verify with the official consulate link before travel.
London, England
The short answer
American citizens need an approved electronic travel authorisation to enter United Kingdom for stays of up to 180 days. An electronic travel authorisation has to be approved before boarding for United Kingdom. This covers tourist and short business visits only, not work, study or residence, and a border officer makes the final decision on entry in every case. Entry rules change without notice, so the requirement is read again from the official source on a schedule and the date above is the last time that happened. The official source for this corridor is linked on this page and should be checked before booking. Where the destination government and the traveller's own government disagree, the destination government decides, because it is the one that writes the rule. This was last checked on 19 April 2026.
At a glance
Key facts for American citizens visiting United Kingdom
- Requirement
- eTA required
- Maximum stay
- Up to 180 days
- Official source
- Official source for this route →
Step by step
How American citizens enter United Kingdom
Check your passport is valid for the whole trip. Many countries also want it valid for a period beyond your departure date, so confirm the exact rule on the official page below.
Apply online before you travel and wait for approval. Book nothing that you cannot change until the approval arrives.
Carry proof of onward or return travel and of where you are staying. Border officers ask for both, and an airline can refuse boarding without them.
Check the requirement again close to your departure date. This route was last checked on 19 April 2026, and rules change without notice.
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Practical Info
Travel Essentials
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Questions
What American citizens ask about entering United Kingdom
Not a visa, but American citizens do need an approved electronic travel authorisation before boarding a flight to United Kingdom. This was last checked on 19 April 2026.
Up to 180 days on this entry route. A longer trip needs a different permission, which this page does not cover. A border officer decides the length granted on the day.
Through the official application page linked on this page. Yoogo does not process applications and takes no fee for them.
A passport valid for the trip, proof of onward or return travel, and proof of where you are staying. Officers can ask for evidence that you can support yourself for the visit. Entry is always the officer's decision, whatever the paperwork says.
United Kingdom uses GBP. Check the rate before you exchange anything at the airport, where the spread is usually widest.
Safety is a judgement your own government makes, not Yoogo. This page links the official travel advice for your passport; read it before booking, because advice can change faster than entry rules.
Changes to this route
No changes recorded since the first check on 19 April 2026.
Full change history for this route →