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🇺🇸 Does an American need a visa for the United Kingdom 🇬🇧?

What this means for your trip

An ETA (electronic travel authorisation) is not a visa: it is an online pre-screening that airlines check before boarding.

It is normally approved within minutes to a few days; apply before you book non-refundable travel.

Your passport should normally be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date and have blank pages for stamps; many countries apply this rule.

United Kingdom at a glance

Capital: London · Currency: British pound (GBP, £) · Official languages: English · Calling code: +44

U.S. State Department travel advisory for the United Kingdom: Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution (updated 8 May 2025). It is written for U.S. citizens; read the advisory before you book.

Plugs and voltage

You need a travel adapter: the United Kingdom uses plug types G, the United States uses A, B. Mains voltage differs (the United Kingdom: 230 V; the United States: 120 V): most phone and laptop chargers accept 100–240 V, but single-voltage devices such as some hair dryers need a converter.

More about entering the United Kingdom →

Your embassy in the United Kingdom

If your passport is lost or stolen, or you need help in an emergency in the United Kingdom, contact the embassy of the United States:

• Embassy of the United States, London · 33 Nine Elms Lane, London, SW11 7US · uk.usembassy.gov
• Consulate General of the United States, Belfast · Danesfort House 223 Stranmillis Road Belfast BT9 5GR · uk.usembassy.gov
• Consulate General of the United States, Edinburgh · 3 Regent Terrace Edinburgh EH7 5BW · uk.usembassy.gov

Missions from Wikidata (CC0), checked 2026-09-26. Addresses and opening hours change: check the mission's website before you go.

Easier destinations near the United Kingdom for American passport holders

• 🇩🇰 Denmark — Visa-free 90 days
• 🇪🇪 Estonia — Visa-free 90 days
• 🇫🇮 Finland — Visa-free 90 days
• 🇮🇸 Iceland — Visa-free 90 days
• 🇮🇪 Ireland — Visa-free 90 days
• 🇱🇻 Latvia — Visa-free 90 days
• 🇱🇹 Lithuania — Visa-free 90 days
• 🇳🇴 Norway — Visa-free 90 days

The other way round

🇬🇧 British passport holders visiting the United States: British passport holders do not need a visa for the United States, but must get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) online before travelling.

The American passport at a glance

All destinations for United States passport holders → · Who needs a visa for the United Kingdom →

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