American visitors to the U.K. will soon have to pay an entry fee (2024)

American visitors to the U.K. will soon have to pay an entry fee (1)

That hop across the pond is about to get even more expensive

American visitors to the U.K. will soon have to pay an entry fee (2)

Written by

Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner

A new border requirement will impose a fee on foreigners visiting the United Kingdom.

The Nationality and Borders Billis part of the nation's ongoing transformation of the border and immigration system, which indeed affects even short-term travelers and vacationers. With the exception of British and Irish citizens, a universal ‘permission to travel’ requirement will mean that all travelers will need permission to visitin advance. The requirement will be enforced through anElectronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) form filled out online before travel. The cost has yet to be announced, but there will indeed be a fee associated.

The UK ETA will be available in the next few years, likely in placeby the end of 2024. Once the permission to travel requirement is formalized, it will be required for all American and foreign travelers, meaning you have a little under two years to hop across the pond before the extra fees hit.

The ETA scheme, which is a British-ism for plan (or project), is attributed to the nation’s desire to have more information about people coming into or through the country.

"The scheme will give the U.K.more control of our borders, allowing us to block threats from entering the U.K., whilst also providing individuals, and carriers, with more assurance at an earlier point in time about their ability to travel to the U.K.," reads the U.K. Government website. All travelers, regardless of the intent of visit (business, leisure, family visit, layover), will have to present their ETA before boarding their flight, ship or train to enter the nation.

And though the ETA scheme may sound unique or burdensome, it’s not too unlike the United State’s ownElectronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) requirements, put in place by the Department of Homeland Security in May 2022, shortly after the requirement for a negative Covid test to enter the country was lifted. The U.S.’s ESTA currently costs $21, if that’s any indication of what the rate may be overseas.

With Brexit entering its third year, it will be interesting to see how the U.K.’s exit from the European Union continues to influence travel.

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As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the realm of international travel regulations and immigration systems, I can provide comprehensive insights into the recent development discussed in Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner's article dated February 2, 2023. My extensive knowledge stems from staying abreast of global policy changes, particularly those related to border control and travel requirements.

The article delves into the introduction of a new border requirement in the United Kingdom, outlined in the Nationality and Borders Bill. This legislative move is part of the ongoing transformation of the UK's border and immigration system, affecting both short-term travelers and vacationers. Notably, the requirement applies to all foreign visitors except British and Irish citizens.

The key component of this new regulation is the implementation of an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system. Travelers will be mandated to obtain permission to travel in advance by completing an online ETA form. Though the cost of this authorization is yet to be announced, it is confirmed that a fee will be associated with the process.

The UK ETA is anticipated to be available in the coming years, with expectations for it to be in place by the end of 2024. Once enforced, all American and foreign travelers will be required to obtain this authorization, adding an extra layer of bureaucracy to the travel process. Travelers will need to present their ETA before boarding flights, ships, or trains to enter the UK, irrespective of the purpose of their visit.

The rationale behind the ETA scheme, as stated by the UK Government, is to gain more control over the nation's borders. This system aims to block potential threats from entering the UK while providing both individuals and carriers with early assurance regarding their ability to travel to the country.

Drawing parallels to the United States, the article mentions the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) requirements, established by the Department of Homeland Security in May 2022. This comparison suggests that the UK ETA might be accompanied by a similar fee structure, with the US ESTA currently costing $21.

In the broader context, the article touches upon the influence of Brexit, now entering its third year, on travel regulations. The evolving relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union continues to shape the travel landscape, adding an additional layer of complexity to the already intricate world of international travel.

In conclusion, the article sheds light on the upcoming changes in the UK's travel regulations, providing a glimpse into the government's efforts to enhance border control and ensure the safety of the nation while also drawing parallels with existing systems in other countries, such as the United States.

American visitors to the U.K. will soon have to pay an entry fee (2024)

FAQs

American visitors to the U.K. will soon have to pay an entry fee? ›

The new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), as it's called, will cost about £10 ($12.50) and will be fully implemented at the end of 2024 as the UK continues to digitalize its border control systems.

Is there a fee for U.S. citizens to enter the UK? ›

Quick Facts about the new ETA scheme

The ETA, which costs £10 to apply for (approximately $12.50 or €8.50), offers pre-authorisation for entry into the UK. Approval for the ETA may take up to 72 hours, and once granted, it remains valid for up to 2 years.

Do Americans have to pay to come to the UK? ›

Pay for entry: US travelers will soon have to pay a fee to enter the United Kingdom. U.S. citizens will soon have to apply for permission before their United Kingdom trips and pay a small fee to enter as part of the country's upcoming Electronic Travel Authorization scheme.

Do you have to pay to enter the UK? ›

Soon, visiting the United Kingdom will involve filling out an online application in advance and paying an entry fee. Here's what we know so far. By the end of 2024, travelers will have to complete an online application and pay an entry fee to visit the United Kingdom, the nation's government has announced.

Will U.S. citizens need a visa to visit England in 2024? ›

The UK aims to roll out the scheme to travellers from all other countries who do not currently need a visa to visit the UK, including US and EU nationals, by the end of 2024.

What is needed for a US citizen to enter the UK? ›

Your identity document (for example your passport or identity card) will be checked when you arrive at a UK port or airport to make sure you're allowed to come into the country. It should be valid for the whole of your stay. You may also need a visa to come into or travel through the UK, depending on your nationality.

What do you need to enter the UK in 2024? ›

By the end of 2024, Electronic Travel Authorisation will be a requirement worldwide for visitors who do not currently need a visa for short stays.

Can I go to the UK as a US citizen? ›

American Visa UK: What can you do? Because Americans are known as non-visa nationals in the UK, to answer the question do American citizens need a visa for UK? They don't. American citizens are able to visit for up to six months without a visa.

How much is the ETA fee for the UK? ›

We will confirm the timings in due course for when remaining eligible nationalities will need an ETA, and we will ensure they have sufficient time to prepare. How much does an ETA cost? An ETA costs £10. This cost is competitive and comparable with similar international schemes by international partners.

Can a US resident travel to UK? ›

- While a visa is not required, U.S. citizens must have a valid passport to enter the UK. The passport should be valid for the entire duration of the stay.

Does the US charge entry fees? ›

There isn't a specific fee for going through customs in the United States. However, certain costs may be associated with processes like obtaining visas or participating in trusted traveler programs such as Global Entry. These programs can expedite the customs process but often come with application fees.

How much is the UK visitor visa fee? ›

Visa fees
FeeMaximum length of stay
Standard Visitor visa£1156 months
Standard Visitor visa for medical reasons£20011 months
Standard Visitor visa for academics£20012 months
2 year long-term Standard Visitor visa£4326 months per visit
2 more rows

How much is the UK visa fee? ›

United Kingdom Tourist Visa Fee
CategoryUnited Kingdom Tourist Visa Fee
6 months short term visaN1,11,544
2 year long term visaN3,87,348
5 year long term visaN746,428
10 year long term visaN9,32,080
Dec 24, 2023

How long is a US citizen allowed to stay in UK? ›

You can visit the UK as a Standard Visitor for tourism, business, study (courses up to 6 months) and other permitted activities. You can usually stay in the UK for up to 6 months. You might be able to apply to stay for longer in certain circ*mstances, for example to get medical treatment.

How many times can an American visit the UK in a year? ›

The actual rules do not have any specific cumulative time limit in them. So, once your first stay of 6 months is over, it would be possible to return within the same calendar year for another visit even though it would bring your cumulative total time in the UK that year to over 180 days.

How often can a US citizen visit the UK? ›

How many times can you visit UK in a year? Under a multiple-entry visa, you can visit the UK several times over a 12-month period, limited to 6 months each stay, where the rule that a person cannot stay more than 180 days in any given year is a myth.

How much is the travel authorization fee for the UK? ›

It costs £10 to apply. Everyone travelling needs to get an ETA , including babies and children. You can apply for other people. You cannot get a refund after you apply.

How much is the visa fee for the UK? ›

United Kingdom Tourist Visa Fee
CategoryUnited Kingdom Tourist Visa Fee
6 months short term visaN1,11,544
2 year long term visaN3,87,348
5 year long term visaN746,428
10 year long term visaN9,32,080
Dec 24, 2023

Can a US resident enter the UK? ›

UK Visitor visa from USA

The UK visitor visa is a visa issued to US residents that wish to enter and stay in the UK for tourism or family visit for periods shorter than six months This visa is for travelers that are not citizens of a country that has a visa facilitation agreement with the UK.

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