Americans can stay in the UK for up to 6 months, but you now need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). Here's what you need to know about the new requirements and how UK travel differs from Schengen.
Planning a trip to London, Edinburgh, or the English countryside? Americans can stay in the UK for up to 6 months, but there's an important catch: you now need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before you go. Here's what you need to know about the new requirements.
An important note for travelers combining the UK with continental Europe: the UK is NOT part of the Schengen Area. Time spent in the UK doesn't count toward your 90-day Schengen limit, which means you can strategically combine both destinations for longer European trips.
The Short Answer: 6 Months with an ETA
According to the US State Department, American citizens can visit the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, business, visiting family, attending conferences, or short-term study.
However, since January 8, 2025, all US citizens must have an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before traveling. This is a significant change from the pre-2025 era when Americans could simply show up with a passport.
What Is the UK ETA?
The UK's Electronic Travel Authorization is similar to the US ESTA system. It's not a visa, but a mandatory pre-travel authorization that screens travelers before they arrive.
- Cost: £10 (approximately $13)
- Validity: 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first
- Processing time: Most applications are approved in minutes, but it can take up to 3 working days
- Applies to: All travelers including children and those just transiting through UK airports
From February 25, 2026, travelers without an ETA will not be allowed to board their flight to the UK. Don't leave this to the last minute.
How to Apply for Your ETA
You can apply for a UK ETA through:
- The UK ETA app (available on iOS and Android)
- The UK Government website
The application requires your passport details, a digital photo, and payment. Most applications receive an automatic decision in minutes, but allow up to 3 working days before your trip to be safe.
Entry Requirements for the UK
Beyond the ETA, the State Department lists these requirements:
- Valid US passport for the duration of your stay
- At least one blank page for entry stamps
- Approved ETA
Currency Declaration
If you're carrying £10,000 or more (or the equivalent in other currencies), you must declare it when entering or leaving the UK. In Northern Ireland, the threshold is €10,000.
UK vs. Schengen: Key Differences
Many travelers confuse the UK with the Schengen Area, but they operate under completely different rules:
| Rule | UK | Schengen |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum stay | 6 months | 90 days in 180-day period |
| Pre-travel authorization | ETA (£10) | ETIAS (late 2026, €20) |
| Days count toward other zone? | No | No |
This separation works in your favor if you're planning extended travel. You could spend 90 days in the Schengen Area, fly to the UK for up to 6 months, and your Schengen counter keeps ticking separately.
If you're planning trips that include both the UK and Schengen countries, use our free Schengen calculator to track your European days, and the Days Monitor app for automatic tracking across your travel history.
Staying Longer: UK Visa Options
You cannot extend your ETA stay beyond 6 months. If you want to stay longer, you must leave the UK and apply for an appropriate visa from outside the country.
Global Talent Visa
If you're a recognized leader or emerging leader in academia, digital technology, or arts and culture, the Global Talent Visa may be an option. It doesn't require employer sponsorship and offers a faster path to settlement (3-5 years depending on category). The application fee is £766.
Skilled Worker Visa
The primary work visa route requires a job offer from a UK employer that holds a sponsor license. The job must meet specific skill and salary requirements.
2025-2026 Immigration Changes
Note that the UK is tightening immigration rules. Key upcoming changes include:
- The standard period to qualify for permanent residence (settlement) is increasing from 5 to 10 years, with changes expected from April 2026
- Higher English language requirements (B2 level) for work visas from January 2026
- Graduate visa duration reduced from 2 years to 18 months from January 2027
Planning Your UK Trip
Six months is generous for any UK visit, whether you're exploring England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland. The key things to remember:
- Apply for your ETA before booking flights (allow 3 days for processing)
- UK time doesn't affect your Schengen days
- You cannot extend beyond 6 months without leaving and applying for a visa
If you're combining the UK with European travel, our free Schengen calculator can help you plan your continental portion, and the Days Monitor app keeps track of everything automatically.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or immigration advice. Entry requirements and policies can change. Always verify current requirements with the US State Department or the UK Government before making travel plans.
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