Starting January 8, Americans are among more than 50 nationalities required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before traveling to the UK, including Northern Ireland, for visits of up to six months.
European nationals from select regions will also need to apply for an ETA starting March 5, with the requirement coming into effect on April 2.
Visitors from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries already need an ETA to travel to the UK.
According to the US Embassy in Ireland, effective January 8, 2025, all US citizens who do not reside in Ireland and are traveling to the UK (including Northern Ireland) for tourism, family visits, business, conferences, or short-term studies for six months or less will need an ETA prior to travel.
The Embassy emphasized that the ETA is a significant change to the UK’s travel regulations. It also clarified that all non-resident US citizens in Ireland, including children, will need a valid ETA even if traveling by land between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
The ETA is the UK’s equivalent to the US Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
