In recent times, the United Kingdom has added an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) requirement for visitors from most countries, including the United States. This means that if you’re traveling to the UK, you need complete an application and pay a fee prior to travel.
I’m currently visiting the UK for the first time since this requirement was added, so I’d like to share my experience applying and getting approved for an ETA. While it’s ever so slightly annoying to have to do this, it’s not a big deal, and it went about as smoothly as it could.
In this post:
But if you’re applying for yourself, the app is the recommended method, as it simplifies the process, so that’s what I did. The entire application took me around five minutes, and that included taking screenshots, and it included me being flustered for around two minutes with the selfie requirement.
During the application, you’ll need to confirm your identity, answer some questions, and pay a fee. Therefore you’ll need the passport that you intend to travel to the UK with, access to a credit card (Apple Pay or Google Pay is fine), and access to your email.

You’ll first be asked for your email address and phone number, and you’ll then get a verification code sent to you.
A great solo travel tip spotted this week on One Mile at a Time.