This comprehensive guide covers UK visa and ETA requirements for US citizens and Green Card holders in 2026. Whether you're visiting London for a holiday, travelling across England, Scotland, and Wales, or applying for a work or study visa — this is your complete resource. 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.
- Do Americans Need a Visa for the UK?
- UK ETA for US Citizens 2026
- UK Visa for Green Card Holders
- UK Visa Fees from USA 2026
- UK Student Visa: 99% Success Rate
- UK Work Visa: 98% Success Rate
- UK Spouse Visa: 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 Visa from USA: Overview & Requirements 2026
The UK visa requirements for US citizens are straightforward for short visits. Americans can visit London, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Belfast, and the rest of the UK for up to 6 months without a visa — but the new ETA requirement means you must apply before travelling. For longer stays involving work, study, or joining family, a visa application through the online application form is required. US citizens enjoy some of the highest visa approval rates globally, reflecting the strong US-UK relationship.
Do Americans Need a Visa for the UK?
For short visits (up to 6 months): No visa needed — but you need an ETA ($22). This covers tourism in London and across the UK, family visits, business meetings, and short courses. 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.
This is one of the most common questions Americans ask when planning a trip to the UK. The answer depends entirely on what you plan to do. US citizens are classified as "visa-exempt nationals" by the UK Home Office, meaning no visa is needed for visits up to 6 months — whether you're visiting London for a week, touring Scotland, or attending a business conference in Birmingham.
However, "visa-exempt" does not mean you can simply turn up. From 25 February 2026, all US citizens must hold a valid ETA before travelling to the UK. Think of it as the UK's version of the US ESTA system — a quick digital authorisation that most people receive within minutes of applying.
When Do Americans Need a UK Visa?
- Working in the UK: Any paid employment requires a Skilled Worker visa or other work route
- Studying longer than 6 months: Requires a Student visa
- Joining a partner/spouse: Requires a Spouse visa or Family visa
- Settling permanently: Requires the appropriate settlement route
- Short visits (up to 6 months): ETA only — no visa needed for tourism, business meetings, family visits, or short courses
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
| Metric | USA | Global Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Total ETA Applications | 4,670,497 | #1 Globally |
| Share of Global ETAs | 23.7% | — |
| Approval Rate | 99.49% | — |
| Refusals | 4,340 (0.09%) | — |
| ETA Cost | $22 (£16) | — |
| Validity | 2 years (or passport expiry) | — |
Source: Home Office Immigration System Statistics, year ending September 2025
How to Apply for UK ETA from USA
- Step 1: Download the UK ETA app (iOS or Android) or visit gov.uk/eta
- Step 2: Have your US passport ready — the ETA links to this passport
- Step 3: Scan your passport using the app's camera (or enter details manually online)
- Step 4: Take a selfie for identity verification
- Step 5: Answer security questions about criminal history and immigration violations
- Step 6: Pay $22 (£16) by debit or credit card
- Step 7: Receive confirmation — most decisions arrive within minutes by email
What Can US Citizens Do on an ETA?
- Tourism: Visiting London, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland — no restrictions
- Family visits: Visiting relatives and friends anywhere in the UK
- Business: Meetings, conferences, negotiations (no paid 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+). Your Green Card does not exempt you from UK visa requirements.
This is a crucial distinction that many US Green Card holders miss. The UK Home Office assesses entry requirements based on your passport nationality, not your country of residence. A Green Card — regardless of how long you've held it — does not change your visa status for UK travel. You must check the requirements for your passport country.
UK Entry Requirements by Green Card Holder Nationality
| Green Card Holder's Nationality | UK Entry Requirement | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Australian, Canadian, EU, Japanese, South Korean, etc. | ETA only ✓ | $22 |
| Indian, Pakistani, Nigerian, Chinese, Bangladeshi, etc. | UK Visa required ⚠ | $177+ |
Common Mistakes Green Card Holders Make
- Assuming the Green Card is enough: The UK does not recognise US residency as a substitute for passport nationality assessment
- Not checking before booking flights: Airlines will deny boarding to visa-national passengers without a UK visa, even with a US Green Card
- Applying too late: Standard visitor visa processing takes 3 weeks — apply well before your travel date
- Forgetting ETA (for visa-exempt nationals): Even if your nationality is visa-exempt, you still need an ETA from 25 February 2026
UK Visa Fees from USA 2026
UK visa fees from the USA are charged in US Dollars. The UK visa fees range from $22 for an ETA to $2,703 for a spouse visa. Remember: US citizens visiting for tourism, London sightseeing, 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
| Visa Type | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) | $22 |
| 6-month Visitor visa (Green Card holders from visa-national countries) | $177 |
| 2-year Visitor visa | $662 |
| 5-year Visitor visa | $1,183 |
| 10-year Visitor visa | $1,477 |
| Student visa | $731 |
| Skilled Worker (up to 3 years) | $1,072 |
| Skilled Worker (over 3 years) | $2,118 |
| Health and Care Worker (up to 3 years) | $424 |
| Spouse/Partner visa | $2,703 |
| Fiancé(e) visa | $2,703 |
| Global Talent visa | $286 |
| Priority service | $697 |
| Super Priority service | $1,395 |
Source: GOV.UK visa fee calculator, January 2026. Fees subject to Home Office exchange rate policy.
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.
| Student Visa Metric | USA (YE Sep 2025) |
|---|---|
| Applications | 16,873 |
| Granted | 16,702 |
| Grant Rate | 99% |
| Refused | 91 |
| Global Rank | #6 |
| Visa Fee | $731 |
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 Work Visa Options for US Citizens
| Work Visa Type | Fee (USD) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Worker | $1,072 / $2,118 | Up to 3 years / Over 3 years |
| Health and Care Worker | $424 / $823 | Up to 3 years / Over 3 years |
| Global Talent | $286 | Up to 5 years |
| Scale-Up visa | $1,227 | 2 years |
| High Potential Individual (HPI) | $1,227 | 2-3 years |
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. A previously announced plan to increase this threshold to £38,700 remains under government review following the Migration Advisory Committee's June 2025 recommendations — no increase has been implemented and no confirmed date has been set.
Family Visa Fees for US Citizens
| Family Visa Type | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Spouse/Partner visa | $2,703 |
| Fiancé(e) visa | $2,703 |
| Child visa (dependant) | $2,703 |
| Adult Dependent Relative | $4,760 |
- Financial Requirement: £29,000 minimum annual income (current threshold)
- Initial Grant: 33 months
- IHS: £1,035 per year (paid upfront for the full visa duration)
- Settlement: Eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain after 5 years on the spouse route
How to Apply for UK Visa from USA
The UK visa application process from USA is fully digital. All applications start online at gov.uk, and biometrics are now collected at VFS Global centres across the United States. The previous system using USCIS Application Support Centres ended in July 2025.
- Step 1: Complete online application at gov.uk
- Step 2: Pay the visa fee online (in USD)
- Step 3: Book biometrics appointment at VFS Global
- Step 4: Attend appointment — provide fingerprints, photo, AND submit passport
- Step 5: Upload supporting documents online or scan at VFS
- Step 6: Wait for decision (3 weeks standard, 5 days priority)
- Step 7: Receive eVisa — most approvals are now digital
VFS Global UK Visa Centres in USA
Major VFS Global Premium Application Centres
| City | Address |
|---|---|
| New York | 845 Third Avenue, Floor 6, New York, NY 10022 |
| Los Angeles | 1901 Avenue of the Stars, Floor 2, Los Angeles, CA 90067 |
| San Francisco | 315 Montgomery Street, Floor 10, San Francisco, CA 94104 |
| Washington DC | 1025 Vermont Avenue NW, Floor 2, Washington, DC 20005 |
| Chicago | 564 West Randolph St, Floor 2, Chicago, IL 60661 |
| Miami | 2655 S Le Jeune Road, Penthouse 1A, Coral Gables, FL 33134 |
| Houston | 700 Milam Street, Suite 1300, Houston, TX 77002 |
| Atlanta | 100 Peachtree Street NW, Floor 22, Atlanta, GA 30303 |
| Boston | 160 Federal Street, Suite #1700, Boston, MA 02110 |
| Seattle | 701 Fifth Avenue, Suite 4200, Seattle, WA 98104 |
UK Visa Processing Time from USA
| Visa Category | Standard | Priority ($697) | Super Priority ($1,395) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ETA | Minutes to 3 days | — | — |
| Visitor (Green Card holders) | 3 weeks | 5 working days | Next working day |
| Student | 3 weeks | 5 working days | Next working day |
| Skilled Worker | 3 weeks | 5 working days | Next working day |
| Spouse/Partner | Up to 12 weeks | 6 weeks | — |
- 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) — 99.49% approval rate
- London & UK visits: ETA covers tourism, family visits, business
- 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 passport nationality, not US residency
- 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.
Do I need a visa to visit London from USA?
US citizens do not need a visa to visit London or any other part of the UK for stays up to 6 months. However, from 25 February 2026, you must have an approved ETA ($22) before travelling. Apply via the UK ETA app — most applications are approved within minutes. The ETA is valid for 2 years and covers unlimited visits to London, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
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.
Do US Green Card holders from India need a UK visa to visit London?
Yes. Indian passport holders must apply for a UK visitor visa ($177 for 6 months) regardless of their US Green Card status. The UK assesses entry requirements based on passport nationality, not country of residence. Apply through VFS Global in the USA. Your US Green Card and employment can strengthen your application by demonstrating financial stability and strong ties.