“Exciting Changes Ahead: US Citizens’ New Travel Guidelines for the UK Launching January 8!”

Individuals planning to visit the United Kingdom will soon require a new travel authorization.

Commencing on January 8, U.S. citizens — including minors — traveling to or through the United Kingdom for leisure, business, or short-term study (six months or shorter) will need an Electronic Travel Authorization, as stated by the U.S. Department of State Consular Affairs.

The Electronic Travel Authorization is a virtual permit that enables travelers to enter the U.K. without the necessity for a visa, as per Thales. This authorization allows the destination country to screen individuals prior to their arrival, thereby enhancing national security.

Those looking to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization can do so via the U.K. ETA app. The application process takes roughly 10 minutes, and typically the decision is made within three business days, as per the U.K. government.

The U.K. government indicates that you do not require an Electronic Travel Authorization if you:

• Possess a visa
• Have authorization to live, work, or study in the U.K.
• Are a citizen of the U.K. or Ireland
• Are traveling with a passport from a British overseas territory
• Reside in Ireland and are traveling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man

With an Electronic Travel Authorization, you cannot:

• Remain in the U.K. for over six months
• Engage in paid or unpaid employment for a U.K. organization or operate as a self-employed individual. The sole exception is if you are participating in a permitted paid engagement or event or are working under the Creative Worker visa concession
• Access benefits
• Reside in the U.K. through regular or consecutive visits
• Get married or register a civil partnership, or submit notice of marriage or civil partnership. For this, you will need to apply for a marriage visitor visa.