QuickTravelTools Do I need a visa for the United Kingdom with a US passport?
- Passport
- US
- Destination
- the United Kingdom
- Purpose
- Tourism
- Stay
- See details
You need an ETA before you fly. It is a short online form, not a full visa.
Verified October 5, 2026
Source: UK Home Office (GOV.UK).
What you need
- Travel authorisation required
You need an ETA before you fly. It is a short online form, not a full visa.
Source: UK Home Office (GOV.UK)
QTT checked the United Kingdom's official guidance on October 5, 2026. We re-check these sources and update this page when official rules change.
Official sources
- US passport holders can apply for an ETA now; an ETA allows travel to the UK, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man to visit for up to 6 months (UK Home Office (GOV.UK), verified October 5, 2026)
- US citizens traveling to the UK for short visits, tourism, or business need an ETA before travel (in force since Jan 8, 2025); other nationalities that need a visa continue to need one (U.S. Embassy and Consulates in the United Kingdom (U.S. Department of State), verified October 5, 2026)
- GOV.UK's official 'Check if you need a UK visa' tool: enter any nationality to see the visa/ETA requirement. (Loaded live 2026-10-06.) (UK Home Office (GOV.UK), verified October 6, 2026)
Visa rules for all 199 passports: the United Kingdom visa hub.
Visa costs and applying
- Fee: 20 GBP, valid 2 years or until passport expiry; required per person including children
Source: UK Home Office (GOV.UK). - Processing time: usually within a day; up to 3 working days
Source: UK Home Office (GOV.UK). - Apply: Start the official UK ETA application, GOV.UK (Home Office)
- Apply: Start the official Standard Visitor visa application, GOV.UK (Home Office)
the United Kingdom at a glance
| Region | Europe |
|---|---|
| Everyday prices | 82 on our price index (US = 100) |
| Power | Type G/D/M sockets, 230/400 V, 50 Hz |
On cost, the United Kingdom is mid-priced for travelers: everyday prices sit at about 82 on a global index where the United States is 100. See how the United Kingdom compares to 179 countries.
Pack a plug adapter: US devices use Type A/B/NEMA 14-30/NEMA 14-50, but the United Kingdom uses Type G/D/M. Voltage differs too (230/400 V there versus 120/240 V, 120/208 V, 277/480 V at home), so check for a dual-voltage label before plugging in. Full plug and voltage guide for the United Kingdom.
Good to know about the United Kingdom
- U.S. passport holders can use the ePassport gates on arrival in the UK, which is usually faster than the officer line. (U.S. Embassy in the United Kingdom)
- Bringing more than £10,000 in cash? Check the UK rules on bringing cash into the country before you travel. (GOV.UK)
- You can declare goods to UK customs online up to 5 days before you arrive, instead of doing it at the airport. (GOV.UK)
Common questions
Do US citizens need a visa for the United Kingdom?
Yes. You need an ETA before you fly. It is a short online form, not a full visa.
How long can a US passport holder stay in the United Kingdom?
The permitted stay depends on the visa or authorisation issued. Check the official immigration site before booking.
Is the visa information on this page official?
No. This is a summary compiled from official government sources and verified by QuickTravelTools, and it can lag rule changes. Always confirm with the United Kingdom's embassy or official immigration portal before you travel.
Is there an arrival card or travel authorisation for the United Kingdom?
Visa-free visitors need a UK ETA before traveling, including children. It costs £20, most decisions arrive in minutes, and it covers unlimited trips for 2 years.
Nearby destinations for US passport holders
Sorted by distance from the United Kingdom, useful if your trip covers more than one country.