The QuickConnection
For US travelers heading to the UK in 2026, the “Border” is no longer a booth at the airport. It’s on your smartphone. With the mandatory UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) now in full effect, your permission to enter the country is checked by your cruise line or airline long before you ever see the White Cliffs of Dover.
The Essentials
- Under the new 2026 rules, the ETA lets you travel to the UK for up to 6 months.
- As of April 8, 2026, the fee is jumping from £16 to £20 (approx. $25).
- The easiest way to apply for an ETA is via the app. Find it on the App Store or Google Play. (Those are links btw. You’re welcome.).
10MTN Super Fast Details
Everyone traveling to the UK from the US now has to complete the ETA. I see you, Uncle Mark. Just get it done and quit your complaining! We found it very straightforward on the app. You take a selfie, place your phone on the “chip” in your passport to scan it, answer a few questions, and cheerio…you’re done.
The ETA website says that approval takes a few hours, and in some cases up to three business days, but our approval was pretty quick – like 15 – 20 minutes. Keep the approval email on your phone just in case. There’s no reason to print it out. Save a tree.
Your ETA is good for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Oh, and everyone in your traveling party is required to have an ETA. From a 2-month old baby to grandma who is celebrating her 100th birthday. There’s no age exemptions.
The In-Flight Briefing
The ETA is electronically “attached” to your passport. When you land in the UK, entry is quick and seamless at the eGates.
Need help? Put a kettle on and visit https://www.gov.uk/eta to get all your burning questions answered.
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