Do US citizens need an ETA to travel to Europe – Deseret News

A new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) has been put in effect as of Jan. 8, 2025. The U.K. has introduced the ETA, which will be required for entry through the U.K. stated by the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in the U.K..

Passports alone won’t cut it for U.S., Canadian or other non-European residents hoping to enter the United Kingdom.

This new policy adds an extra step to the travel preparation, but is necessary for those planning a trip across the pond. Here is everything you need to know.

Do your travel plans require an ETA?

If you’re traveling to the U.K. for a short-term stay of up to six months, you’ll need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), according to Harvard.

This requirement applies to visitors coming for tourism, business or short-term study abroad, and is mandatory for travelers of all ages.

It’s important to note that even if the U.K. is not your final destination, a connecting flight through the country still requires an ETA. Travelers transiting through the U.K. must ensure they meet new entry requirements, regardless of their layover duration reported by The Washington Post.

For those planning a longer stay, a visa is still required.

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in the U.K. clarified, “One does not need an ETA if they already have a visa, and exempt vignette or have a British or Irish Passport.”

Beginning April 2. 2025, ETAs will be required to most European countries. The application process will open to them March 5, 2025 for trips planned on or after April 2, 2025.

How to apply

To apply for an ETA, travelers must complete an online application. The process requires submitting a photo, passport information and a fee of $13.

According to the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in the U.K., the ETA can take up to three business days to process. Once approved, the ETA will be digitally linked to your passport. It is valid for up to two years, unless your passport expires sooner.

Be sure to apply well in advance of your trip to avoid any delays.

ETIAS is coming in 2025

Keep your eyes open for yet another travel authorization, as the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is set to take also effect in 2025, according to Conde Nast Traveler.

Conde Nast Traveler said, “The European Commission first introduced the idea of a new pre-entry requirement to tighten border security in 2016. Since then, the timeline has been adjusted on multiple occasions due to technological needs required to roll out the new system.”

The European Union said that ETIAS will be required for entry into 30 different European countries.

This system will allow travelers to stay for short-term visits of 90 to 180 days.

While the application process is not open yet, be prepared for this new requirement to ensure a smooth entry into Europe when the time comes.