This comprehensive guide covers UK visa and ETA requirements for US citizens and Green Card holders in 2026. US passport holders don't need a visa for short visits up to 6 months — but from 25 February 2026, you must have an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling. The UK ETA costs just $22 (£16), is valid for 2 years, and allows unlimited visits. Over 4.67 million Americans have already applied — making the USA the #1 source of ETA applications globally. For those needing visas (work, study, family), fees start at $177 for visitor visas, $731 for student visas, and $2,703 for spouse visas. Applications are processed through VFS Global centres across the United States.
For short visits (up to 6 months): No visa needed — but you need an ETA ($22). For work, study, or settlement: Yes, a visa is required. US citizens enjoy exceptional visa success rates: 99% for student visas, 98% for work visas, and 95% for family visas. Green Card holders' requirements depend on their nationality — visa-exempt nationals need only an ETA, while visa-nationals need a full UK visa.
- UK ETA for US Citizens 2026
- UK Visa for Green Card Holders
- UK Visa Fees from USA 2026
- UK Student Visa for US Citizens: 99% Success Rate
- UK Work Visa for US Citizens: 98% Success Rate
- UK Spouse Visa for US Citizens: 95% Success Rate
- How to Apply for UK Visa from USA
- VFS Global UK Visa Centres in USA
- UK Visa Processing Time from USA
- Frequently Asked Questions
UK ETA for US Citizens 2026
US citizens visiting the UK for tourism, business, or short courses (up to 6 months) now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). The UK ETA costs $22 (£16), is valid for 2 years, and allows unlimited entries. Apply via the UK ETA app or gov.uk — most applications are approved within minutes. From 25 February 2026, no ETA means no boarding.
The UK ETA requirement for US citizens came into effect on 8 January 2025. Since then, over 4.67 million Americans have applied — making the United States the #1 source of ETA applications globally, accounting for nearly a quarter of all ETAs issued worldwide.
UK ETA Statistics for US Citizens
Source: Home Office Immigration System Statistics, cumulative October 2023 to September 2025
How to Apply for UK ETA from USA
- Download the UK ETA app (iOS or Android) or visit gov.uk/eta
- Have your US passport ready — the ETA will be linked to this passport
- Scan your passport using the app's camera (or enter details manually online)
- Take a selfie for identity verification
- Answer security questions about criminal history and immigration violations
- Pay $22 (£16) by debit or credit card
- Receive confirmation — most decisions arrive within minutes by email
What Can US Citizens Do on an ETA?
- Tourism: Visiting London, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland
- Family visits: Visiting relatives and friends
- Business: Meetings, conferences, negotiations (no work)
- Short-term study: Courses up to 6 months
- Transit: Connecting through UK airports (if passing border control)
- NOT permitted: Working, long-term study, or settlement
UK Visa for Green Card Holders 2026
Whether a US Green Card holder needs a UK visa depends on their nationality, not their US residency status. Green Card holders from visa-exempt countries (Australia, EU, Canada, etc.) need only an ETA ($22). Green Card holders from visa-national countries (India, Pakistan, Nigeria, etc.) need a full UK visa ($177+).
UK Entry Requirements by Green Card Holder Nationality
Green Card holders from visa-national countries (such as India, Pakistan, China, Nigeria, Bangladesh) must apply for a UK visa regardless of their US residency. They should follow the same application process as other nationals from their country, applying through VFS Global centres in the USA.
UK Visa Fees from USA 2026
UK visa fees from the USA are charged in US Dollars. The table below shows comprehensive fees for all major visa categories. Remember: US citizens visiting for tourism or business don't need a visa — just an ETA ($22). Visas are only required for work, study, or settlement.
Complete UK Visa Fee Table from USA 2026
UK Student Visa for US Citizens: 99% Success Rate
The UK Student visa enables US citizens to study at UK universities and educational institutions. Note: US citizens studying short courses (up to 6 months) can do so on an ETA — a Student visa is only required for longer courses.
Source: Home Office Immigration System Statistics, year ending September 2025
UK Work Visa for US Citizens: 98% Success Rate
The Skilled Worker visa is the most common route for US citizens seeking employment in the UK. It requires a job offer from a UK employer with a valid sponsor licence and a minimum salary of £38,700 (or the "going rate" for the occupation, whichever is higher).
UK Spouse Visa for US Citizens: 95% Success Rate
The UK Spouse visa allows US citizens to join their British or settled partner in the UK. The UK sponsor must meet a minimum income requirement of £29,000 per year (increasing to £38,700 in future).
VFS Global UK Visa Centres in USA
From 15 July 2025, all UK visa biometric appointments in the USA must be made at VFS Global Visa Application Centres — not the former USCIS Application Support Centres (ASCs). VFS Global now operates 38 locations across the United States (10 free-to-use and 28 user-pay centres). Biometrics AND passport submission now happen at the same appointment — no more mailing documents to New York.
Major VFS Global Premium Application Centres
How to Apply for UK Visa from USA
- Complete online application: Apply at gov.uk and pay the visa fee in USD
- Book VFS Global appointment: Select your nearest Visa Application Centre
- Attend appointment: Provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) AND submit your passport
- Upload documents: Supporting documents can be uploaded online or scanned at VFS
- Wait for decision: Standard processing is 3 weeks; Priority is 5 working days
- Receive eVisa: Most approvals are now issued as eVisas (digital) rather than vignette stickers
UK Visa Processing Time from USA
- For visits (up to 6 months): ETA required — $22, valid 2 years
- ETA enforcement: 25 February 2026 — no ETA = no boarding
- USA ETA applications: 4.67 million (#1 globally) — 99.53% approval rate
- Student visa: $731 — 99% grant rate
- Work visa: $1,072+ — 98% grant rate
- Family visa: $2,703 — 95% grant rate
- Green Card holders: Requirements depend on nationality
- VFS Global: 38 centres across USA (since July 2025)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a visa for the UK?
For short visits (up to 6 months): No visa needed, but you need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) costing $22 (£16). From 25 February 2026, US citizens without an ETA will not be allowed to board transport to the UK. For work, study, or settlement: Yes, a visa is required. US citizens enjoy exceptional success rates: 99% for student visas, 98% for work visas, and 95% for family visas.
Can a US Green Card holder travel to the UK without a visa?
It depends on their nationality, not their US residency. Green Card holders from visa-exempt countries (e.g., Australia, Canada, EU countries, Japan) need only an ETA ($22) — no visa required. Green Card holders from visa-national countries (e.g., India, Pakistan, China, Nigeria) need a full UK visitor visa ($177) regardless of their US Green Card status.
How much is the UK visa fee from USA?
UK visa fees from USA in 2026: ETA $22, 6-month Visitor visa $177, 2-year Visitor visa $662, Student visa $731, Skilled Worker visa $1,072 (up to 3 years), and Spouse visa $2,703. Priority service adds $697 for 5-day processing; Super Priority adds $1,395 for next-working-day decisions.
How long can a US citizen stay in the UK?
US citizens with an ETA can stay in the UK for up to 6 months (180 days) per visit. The ETA itself is valid for 2 years and allows unlimited entries, but each individual visit cannot exceed 6 months. For longer stays, you need a visa (student, work, or family route). Visitors cannot work or access public funds during their stay.
How long does it take to get a UK visa from USA?
Standard UK visa processing time from USA is approximately 3 weeks for visitor, student, and work visas. Priority service ($697) reduces this to 5 working days. Super Priority ($1,395) provides next-working-day decisions. Settlement and spouse visas take up to 12 weeks standard, or 6 weeks with Priority service. Apply through VFS Global centres across the USA.
What is the UK ETA and do Americans need one?
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital travel permission required for visa-exempt nationals visiting the UK. Yes, US citizens need an ETA for visits up to 6 months. It costs $22 (£16), is valid for 2 years, and allows multiple entries. Apply via the UK ETA app or gov.uk. From 25 February 2026, no ETA means no boarding. Over 4.67 million Americans have already applied — making the USA the #1 source of ETA applications globally.