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The Key Takeaways
- Beginning today, Americans will pay 10 British pounds (12.34 dollars) to receive an electronic travel authorization prior to traveling to the U.K. This is part of a program that waives visas.
- "Everyone travelling needs to get an ETA, including babies and children," a U.K. government website said. Visitors must apply for an ETA before traveling to the U.K. but are allowed to travel while awaiting for a decision.
- The U.S. also has similar requirements for the U.K.
It's about to cost you a little more to visit the United Kingdom.
As part of a new visa-free program, Americans, Canadians and other foreigners will be required to pay 12 British Pounds ($12.34), for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA), before they can enter the U.K. "Everyone travelling needs to get an ETA, including babies and children," a U.K. government website said.
European Union citizens (EU) will be required to have an ETA as of April 2. The only exceptions are if you have an existing U.K. Visa or are a British, Irish or British citizen.
Visitors must apply for an ETA before traveling to the U.K. but are allowed to travel while awaiting a decision, which the government said will "usually" arrive within three working days.
The ETAs are good for two years, and you can visit the U.K. "as many times as you want during that time," according to the U.K. goverbment. However, "If you get a new passport, you will need to get a new ETA."
The US has similar requirements for dozens of countries
Foreign visitors to the U.S. from 42 countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program—including the UK—must pay $21 for "authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before beginning your trip," according to USA.gov.
The program allows citizens from the countries listed to visit the U.S. on business or for tourism up to 90-days without needing a visa. The approved applications last for two years, and multiple trips are allowed during this time.
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