Can you leave the airport?
To pass through UK border control, for example to leave the airport, US citizens need a UK ETA, applied for online before travel.
Airside vs landside: what it means
You stay in the international transit area and never pass passport control.
You clear immigration to collect bags, change airports, use an outside hotel or visit the city. This always needs entry permission for the United Kingdom.
Tips before you book
- Keep your onward boarding pass or e-ticket ready for the transfer desk.
- Avoid separate tickets with checked bags, which force you to enter the country to re-check them.
Layover guides for the United Kingdom
Frequently asked questions
Do American citizens need a transit visa for the United Kingdom?
Usually no, if you stay airside. American citizens don't need a visa to change planes in the UK. The UK said passengers who stay airside were temporarily exempt from needing an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), but check the latest rule.
Can American citizens leave the airport during a layover in the United Kingdom?
To pass through UK border control, for example to leave the airport, US citizens need a UK ETA, applied for online before travel.
Other transit rules for American passport holders
Official sources
Last checked against these sources on 3 November 2026. Rules change, so always confirm with the official source or your airline before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.