U.S. citizens do not need a visa to visit the United Kingdom for up to six months. What they do need, since the scheme was extended to them in January 2025, is an Electronic Travel Authorisation — a cheap online permission that is not a visa but is checked before boarding.
Quick facts
The authorisation lasts two years or until the passport expires, allows multiple trips and covers tourism, business visits, study of up to six months and transit. It does not permit work or long stays.
Fees breakdown
| Item | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic Travel Authorisation | £16 | Two years, multiple trips |
| Standard Visitor visa | Set by the Home Office | For nationalities that need a visa |
| Work and study categories | Visa fee plus health surcharge | Sponsorship required |
| Biometric enrolment at a visa centre | Service charge | Varies by location |
| Priority services | Additional fee | Where offered |
Visa categories are decided by the Home Office, not by consulates, and applications are lodged online with biometrics given at a commercial visa centre.
How to apply
- Check whether your nationality needs a visa at all, or only a travel authorisation.
- For the authorisation, apply on the official app or website with a passport scan and a photograph, and pay.
- For a visa, complete the online application for the category, pay the fee and any health surcharge.
- Book a biometric appointment at a visa application centre and attend with the documents.
- Upload or hand over the supporting evidence for that category.
- Wait for the decision and collect the passport, or receive it by courier.
Required documents
- Passport valid for the trip, which is linked electronically to the authorisation.
- Photograph meeting the published specification.
- For visa categories: evidence of funds, purpose of travel and accommodation.
- Sponsorship certificate for work and study routes.
- Proof of lawful U.S. residence for applicants who are not U.S. citizens.
- Tuberculosis test certificate for applicants from listed countries.
Where to apply
Everything is online. Biometrics are given at commercial visa centres rather than at consulates, which do not process visa applications.
No offices currently listed.
Additional notes
The authorisation is tied to the passport
Renewing a passport means applying again, because the permission is linked to the document number rather than to the person.
Six months is a maximum, not an entitlement
Border officers can refuse entry or grant less. Frequent long visits that look like residence are the usual trigger for questions.
Transit
The authorisation covers transit through the United Kingdom, including airside connections at some airports. Check the rules for your specific route.
Fees move
The authorisation fee has already been raised once since the scheme launched. Confirm the current figure before applying rather than relying on older guidance.