United Kingdom Visa Requirements for American Citizens (2026)
American travellers need an online travel authorization before flying to United Kingdom. Maximum stay: 180 days. Cost: GBP 16. Every number on this page carries the date we last verified it.
Required documents
- A valid passport or travel document. [2]
- Documents that demonstrate your personal circumstances, such as your employment, studies or family ties. [2]
Fees & processing
| Visa fee | GBP 16 — publisher=Home Office * eTA fee is £16 |
|---|---|
| Processing | ~90 working days |
⚠ Official-source material indicates “£20 GBP” — this value is being re-verified. Follow the official portal.
From official-portal extracts (captured ):
- •The ETA fee is £16.
- •Other websites may charge more to apply, so use only the official service. [4]
How to apply
- Check whether you need an ETA or a visa for the reason you are visiting. [4]
- Apply for the ETA online through the official gov.uk service. [4]
- If you will pass through UK border control but leave the UK within 48 hours, apply for a Visitor in Transit visa instead. [5]
Before you fly
- •An ETA lets you travel to the UK, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man for up to 6 months. [4]
- •An ETA does not guarantee entry to the UK. [4]
- •If you pass through UK border control but leave the UK within 48 hours, you need a Visitor in Transit visa. [5]
Full United Kingdom entry guide — customs, health, long stays — on the destination page.
Conditions & fine print
- •6 months on each visit in 2-year period if granted.
- •Up to 90 days if arriving from Ireland (Common Travel Area)
Watch out for
Other websites may charge more to apply, so avoid sites that imitate government services. [4]
You can be refused entry if the officer is not satisfied you are a genuine visitor or that you have sufficient funds for the visit (refusal codes A2 and A1). [1]
You can be refused entry for lacking a required visa or entry clearance (refusal code E4). [1]
Recent changes
- · confirmedIn 2024, it was announced that Diplomatic Visa Arrangement (DVA) visitor visas will be introduced to replace DVWs.
- · confirmedDVAs will be required from the following countries’ specified passport holders from 11 March, 2025:
- · upcomingSince 1 July 2026, all successful visa applicants will be issued only an e-Visa.
- · confirmedJordan
- · confirmedBahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates
- · confirmedQatar
- · confirmedDominica, Honduras, Namibia, Timor-Leste and Vanuatu
- · confirmedGuyana and Peru (resumed)
- · confirmedBahrain and Saudi Arabia
- · confirmedEl Salvador
- · confirmedKuwait
- · confirmedIndonesia <small>(diplomatic passports)</small>
Frequently asked
How long can American citizens stay in United Kingdom?
Up to 180 days.
How much does the United Kingdom visa cost for American passport holders?
GBP 16 — publisher=Home Office * eTA fee is £16.
What documents are required?
A valid passport or travel document.; Documents that demonstrate your personal circumstances, such as your employment, studies or family ties..
How long does United Kingdom visa processing take?
Our last verification put processing at up to 90 working days. Timings are indicative — the official portal has current service standards.
Do I need a visa or an ETA?
Most visitors from the USA need an ETA rather than a visa, for tourism, visiting family or certain other reasons.
How do I apply for the ETA?
Apply online through the official Home Office ETA service; other websites may charge more and imitate government services.
What if I am only transiting through the UK?
If you go through UK border control but leave within 48 hours, apply for a Visitor in Transit visa.
Sources & last verified
Fact data cross-checked against English Wikipedia “Visa requirements for United States citizens” and “Visa policy of the United Kingdom”, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0 — attribution, not copied text.
Official-source extracts captured : [1] gov.uk [2] gov.uk [3] gov.uk [4] gov.uk [5] gov.uk [6] gov.uk [7] gov.uk [8] gov.uk [9] gov.uk [10] gov.uk. Attribution to the publishing agencies; every bracketed number above points to its row here.
Last verified: . Entries, fees and rules change — confirm on the official portal before you travel.
This is general travel information, not legal or immigration advice. Rules change and enforcement varies at the border — always confirm on the official portal before you travel.