Do citizens of United States need a visa for United Kingdom?
Here's the current entry rule for United States passport holders travelling to United Kingdom — plus how long you can stay, how to apply, and the official source.
A quick online travel authorisation is required.
Apply online a few days before departure. It's linked to your passport — no embassy visit needed.
This rule has changed
Before you fly
Required before departure. Fee £20. Valid 2 years.
What United Kingdom passport holders need in order to enter United States.
For a connection without leaving the airside area, this passport needs no transit visa.
Activates in a minute and works right at the airport — no roaming bills, no hunting for a local SIM. · Partner link
Airport transfer — United KingdomKiwitaxi — fixed price, driver meets you · partnerBook →VisaChecker does not process visas and is not an agency. We publish entry rules and link to the official source.
For short tourist stays · data as of 2026-08-17 · always confirm with the official source.
Was it different at the border?
This page is a data snapshot plus a correction layer we maintain by hand. If you were let in - or turned away - on a different rule, tell us what actually happened. A person reads these.
Frequently asked
Do United States passport holders need a visa for United Kingdom?
Travel authorisation (eTA). A quick online travel authorisation is required.
How long can United States passport holders stay in United Kingdom?
For the exact stay length, visa validity and fee, check the official source below.
How do citizens of United States apply for United Kingdom?
Apply online a few days before departure. It's linked to your passport — no embassy visit needed.
How many countries can United States passport holders enter without a visa?
109 countries are visa-free for United States passport holders. The passport page lists every one of them.
Do I need a transit visa if I am only changing planes?
For a connection without leaving the airside area, this passport needs no transit visa. Conditions: stay in the international transit area.
Where else can United States passport holders go?