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Pedestrians take cover from the rain under umbrellas as they walk past the Elizabeth Tower, commonly known as Big Ben, at the Palace of Westminster, home to the Houses of Parliament, in London on February 22, 2024.
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If you are traveling to the UK as early as this week, you may need to apply for a travel authorization online before you travel.
Starting Wednesday, the U.K. will require citizens of the U.S., Canada and citizens of more than three dozen other countries to have a so-called electronic travel authorization, or ETA.
Here’s what travelers need to know:
What is electronic authorization?
An ETA is a pre-authorisation for travelers from countries where the UK does not require a visa.
The UK launched the program in 2024 for citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. It goes into effect for many additional countries on Wednesday.
Travelers will still need to go through immigration on arrival. In the US, there are similar digital authorization requirements for citizens of the European Union, the UK and other countries that do not require a visa to enter. Later in 2025, EU countries will require them from US citizens and other countries with similar criteria.
You do not need an ETA if you have a visa and have the right to live, work or study in the UK
How do I get it?
You can apply online using the UK ETA application for Android and iPhone. It costs £10 (about $12.50) to apply and is valid for two years and for visits of up to six months. The commission is paid by credit card.
To apply, travelers will need to upload photos of their passport and themselves.
How long does it take?
Applicants could wait about three days for a decision sent by email.
What about the children?
Everyone who is eligible for an ETA will need one, including babies and children.
What if I connect in the UK?
You will need an ETA even if you are traveling to a UK airport for a transfer to another country.
