To apply, you’ll need to upload a photo of your passport and, for travelers age 10 and over, your face. You’ll then be asked several questions and pay £10 (around $12.50) for the application. Beware of any third-party website seeking to charge you more for processing your ETA application.
How long will getting an ETA take?
The U.K. government says that the ETA app “enables most applicants to receive a decision in hours” and that applicants will “usually get a decision within 3 working days, but you may get a quicker decision.”
However, the Home Office warns that it may “occasionally” take longer than three working days. So make sure you apply for your ETA well ahead of your departure date.
What if my ETA application is unsuccessful?
The U.K. Home Office says that if your ETA application is “rejected,” you’ll be informed of the reason and can apply again.
But if your ETA application is “refused,” you won’t be able to apply again, and you can’t appeal the decision. Instead, you’ll have to apply for a visa to visit the U.K.
New travel rules for U.S. citizens visiting Europe in 2025
What do I need to know about visiting Europe as a U.S. citizen in 2025?
Starting sometime in mid-2025, U.S. citizens visiting 30 European countries will need to apply online for travel authorization through the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). This new requirement will include any children who are traveling and will also apply to travelers who are transiting through these countries.
There is no firm date for ETIAS travel authorizations coming into effect, and applications aren’t open.
After applying online, you’ll receive an email confirming your ETIAS travel authorization has been successful. This authorization will then be digitally linked to the passport you applied with and will last for three years or until your passport expires — whichever comes first.
Which European countries will U.S. citizens need ETIAS travel authorization to visit in 2025?
The full list of countries that U.S. citizens will soon need ETIAS travel authorization to visit: France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Portugal, Iceland, Croatia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden and Switzerland.
U.S. citizens who also have European Union (EU) nationality do not need to apply for ETIAS travel authorization. See who else is exempt from ETIAS travel authorization.
How will I apply for ETIAS travel authorization when it comes into effect?
When applications open, you’ll apply online on the EU’s website. Applications will cost €7 (around $7–8), but those costs are waived for minors. Read more about the types of information you’ll be asked to provide in your application.
One important thing if you’re planning to visit Europe in 2025: To receive ETIAS travel authorization, your U.S. passport will need to be valid for more than three months after you’d be leaving Europe. Also, your passport can’t be older than 10 years. So, if you were looking for a reason to renew your passport, 2025 might be a good time.
When applications open, beware of any third-party website seeking to charge you more for processing your ETIAS travel authorization application.
