Everything You Need to Know About the New Travel Requirement to Visit the U.K.

Before you board that British Airways flight, make sure you have an Electronic Travel Authorization

By Daniel Lagiovane

Published January 13, 2025

Read Time: 2 mins

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If you want to visit the U.K. this year, you’ll need more than a passport and a British Airways ticket.

Starting on Jan. 8, U.S. citizens also will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter the United Kingdom, regardless of whether the trip is for tourism, business or a short-term educational experience.

An ETA generally allows a traveler to spend up to six months in the U.K. but does not replace a visa for other cases. ETAs are valid for two years and you can travel to the U.K. as many times as you want during that time. But if you get a new passport, you will need a new ETA.

An ETA does not guarantee entry; you still need to either see a Border Force officer or use an ePassport gate.

More Pittsburghers need to be aware of the change because British Airways is increasing its nonstop service between Pittsburgh International Airport and London Heathrow Airport from six days a week to seven days starting March 31. It will be the first time the route will operate daily since its introduct