The UK has a close relationship with the US, and this is especially true for US citizens wishing to travel to or work in the UK. There are many types of UK visas for US citizens, ranging from simple travel documentation that can be obtained online to more in depth residency visas.
In this guide, we will explore the many types of UK visas open to US residents, as well as the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) which has been made mandatory after 25 January 2025 and enables flexible short-term travel to the UK.
What are the Types of UK Visas for US Citizens?
There are several UK visa programs available to US citizens.
- Tourism and travel visas,
- Work visas,
- Business visas,
- Student visas,
- Start-up and investment visas,
- Family visas,
- Settlement visas.
The UK government has also introduced a visa-exemption program, the Electronic Travel Authorization, to simplify tourism and short stays for US citizens.
Here you can find more information about all the requirements for UK visas for US citizens, but we wil discuss later on with a few details.
UK Travel and Tourism Visas for US Citizens
As of 25 January 2025, most US citizens will no longer require a visa and instead can use the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for short-term travel. The ETA is digital permission to travel to the UK for up to 6 months at a time, as many times as you like, within a 2-year period.
You will need a valid passport for the duration of the UK ETA. If your passport expires before the ETA, your UK ETA expires too.
If you are traveling for longer than 6-month durations or your purpose for visiting the UK falls outside of the ETA requirements, you will need to apply for whichever visa fits your needs.
UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for US Citizens
To qualify for a UK Electronic Travel Authorization, you must be:
- A citizen of the US (or other approved country),
- Be traveling for no longer than 6 months at a time.
You cannot use an ETA to:
- Get married in the UK,
- Stay longer than 6 months at a time,
- Obtain paid or unpaid work,
- Claim any UK state benefits.
If you are traveling as part of a group, you will need to apply online for an ETA for all travelers. This includes children, the elderly, and babies.
To apply for an ETA, you will need to:
- Complete the online application form,
- Provide a recent photo (within the last three months) to be matched against your passport photo,
- Pay the ETA processing fee.
It typically takes 3 days for your ETA to be approved however you must allow longer in case your application needs further checks.
Once approved, you are free to travel to the UK without any printed documentation; your ETA will be stored digitally on your passport (which is why your passport must be valid).
UK Working Visas for US Citizens
If you intend to work, set up a business in the UK or travel for business purposes for longer than 6 months, you will need to apply for a visa that matches your intentions.
Unlike the ETA highlighted above, the entry requirements for working visas are far more stringent and the process is rigorous.
Entry Requirements to the UK for US Citizens
For non-ETA applicants, you will be required to complete an application form from the US and then submit for biometric scanning at your local Application Support Center (ASC) or VFS Premium Application Center (PAC).
Biometric Scanning
Biometric scanning is undertaken by an approved third party in the US.
You will be able to book your appointment online for ASC centers or alternatively you can visit a VSF center for a premium service.
At your appointment, the official will ask you to:
- Have your photo taken,
- Submit your fingerprints.
You may also be asked additional questions about the nature of your intended visit to the UK.
Children under the age of 5 years old will still need to attend a biometric scanning appointment where their picture will be taken. However, they will not be required to provide fingerprints.
Criminal Record Background Check
The UK government, like the US government, has strict entry rules for those with a criminal history. To qualify for a UK visa, you must not have:
- Been convicted of an offense anywhere that has resulted in a prison sentence of over 12 months.
- Been a consistent offender (even without custodial sentences).
- Committed any crime that is of ‘bad character’ such as homicide, violence, drug related offences, sexual offences, and fraud irrespective of any punishment received.
The UK government may also require that US authorities do checks internally and provide a certificate of good conduct.
Other Security Requirements
Alongside the detailed criminal record background checks, you must also not have been:
- Affiliated with any drug cartel,
- Affiliated with any terror organization,
- Be on a terrorism watchlist.
The above list is not exhaustive, and the UK security services reserve the right to refuse entry into the UK if they have concerns about domestic (homeland) security.
How to Apply for Various Types of UK Visas for US Citizens
Whether you are applying for a visa or the ETA, you can start your application process online by completing the relevant application form and paying the fee.
For visas, you will then be booked in for an appointment with a local office in the US to complete biometric scanning.
In some circumstances (for specific visas) you may need to attend interviews in person or provide financial information. Financial records are required for any type of investment in the UK where you wish to stay in the UK as part of that investment. For example, residing in the UK while investing in an existing company or creating a start-up.
The UK operates extremely strict financial reporting for such visas including Anti-Money Laundering (AML) checks.
FAQs
How Long Does It Take to Get a UK Visa?
For US citizens, the UK visa program is typically much easier when compared to other countries due to the close co-operation of both governments.
The time it takes to receive approval on a visa is dependent on the visa you are applying for and some UK visas with comprehensive requirements can take many months to be approved.
Is the UK ETA a Visa?
The UK ETA is not a visa. It replaces the need for a travel visa for short trips (up to 6 months) and covers travelers for a 2-year period.
Because the ETA is not a visa, the process to obtain one is simpler compared to a visa and most decisions are made within 3 working days by the UK home office.
What Happens if My UK ETA is Denied?
Your UK Electronic Travel Authorization can fail for two reasons:
- You completed the application incorrectly,
- You are ineligible for an ETA.
If you filled out the application form incorrectly you will be able to reapply for your ETA.
If you are ineligible for an ETA, you will not be able to apply for the ETA again.
When completing the application for an ETA, you will need to provide your email address. The email you receive will outline the reason for your UK ETA decline, so you know what steps to take next.
Also Read: Moving from the UK to New Zealand Your Comprehensive Guide
