How to Apply for UK ETA: Complete Application Guide
Applying for a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation is a straightforward process that most travelers complete in under 10 minutes. This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of the application, from gathering required documents to receiving your approval. Whether you choose to apply through the UK ETA mobile app or the online portal, following these instructions ensures your application is submitted correctly and processed without delays.
Before You Start: Confirm you need an ETA by checking the eligibility requirements. British and Irish citizens, visa holders, and those with UK immigration status do not need an ETA.
What You Need to Apply
Before beginning your application, gather the following items to ensure a smooth process. Having everything ready allows you to complete the application in one session, as you cannot save progress and return later.
Required Documents and Information
- Valid Passport: The passport you will use to travel to the UK. Your ETA will be linked to this specific passport number. Ensure it has sufficient validity for your intended stay.
- Payment Method: Credit card, debit card, or Apple Pay (if using the app). The fee is £16 and is non-refundable.
- Email Address: A valid email where you can receive your decision notification. Use an email you check regularly and can access while traveling.
- Contact Information: Your phone number and current address.
- Employment Details: Your job title and employer name (if employed).
- Travel History: Details of any previous UK visits or immigration issues.
Device Requirements
For the UK ETA app (recommended method):
- iPhone 8 or newer with iOS 16 or later, OR
- Android device with NFC capability running Android 8.0 or later
- Camera for passport photo and selfie capture
- NFC capability for passport chip scanning
For online application at GOV.UK:
- Any device with internet access and a web browser
- Ability to upload or take photos of your passport
Application Method 1: UK ETA Mobile App (Recommended)
The UK ETA app is the fastest and most reliable way to apply. It can read your passport chip directly, verify your biometric data, and typically produces faster approval decisions. The app is free to download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Download the Official UK ETA App
Search for "UK ETA" in your device's app store. The official app is published by the UK Home Office. Beware of unofficial apps that may charge additional fees or not submit legitimate applications. Verify you are downloading the correct app before proceeding.
Scan Your Passport Photo Page
Open the app and follow prompts to photograph your passport's data page. Position your passport flat with good lighting, ensuring all text and the photo are clearly visible. The app will automatically capture when alignment is correct. If scanning fails repeatedly, clean your camera lens and ensure the passport is not wrinkled or damaged.
Scan Your Passport Chip
Hold your phone against your closed passport to read the NFC chip. The chip is typically located in the front cover or data page. Move your phone slowly over the passport until it detects the chip. This may take several attempts – the key is slow, steady movement while maintaining contact. Chip reading verifies your identity matches the passport data.
Complete Facial Verification
The app will guide you to scan your face and take a selfie photo. This biometric verification ensures you are the legitimate passport holder. Follow on-screen instructions for positioning and lighting. If the scan fails, try removing glasses, improving lighting, or moving to a plain background.
Answer Application Questions
Provide your contact details, employment information, and answer questions about criminal history, travel history, and immigration matters. Answer all questions honestly – providing false information is a criminal offense and will result in refusal and potential future visa bans. You do not need to enter your specific travel dates or itinerary.
Review and Confirm
Review all information before submission. Verify your name matches your passport exactly, your email address is correct, and all answers are accurate. You cannot modify your application after submission, so check everything carefully. Agree to the terms and conditions and declaration of truthfulness.
Pay the Fee
Complete payment of £16 using credit card, debit card, or Apple Pay. Payment is processed immediately. You will receive an on-screen confirmation of successful submission. Save or screenshot your reference number for future status checks.
Await Decision
Most applicants receive automatic approval within minutes. You will receive an email confirmation from UK Visas and Immigration with your decision. The ETA is automatically linked to your passport – there is nothing to print. Check your spam folder if the email does not arrive within a few hours.
Application Method 2: GOV.UK Online Portal
If you cannot use the mobile app (incompatible device, app crashes, or preference for desktop), you can apply through the official GOV.UK website. The process is similar but does not include biometric chip reading, which may result in more applications being routed for manual review.
Visit the Official Website
Navigate to www.gov.uk/eta and click "Apply for an ETA." Only use this official GOV.UK domain – third-party websites may charge excessive fees or be scams that don't submit legitimate applications.
Upload Passport Photo
Take a clear photo of your passport's data page and upload it through the form. Ensure all information is legible and the photo is not blurry, cropped, or obscured. The system will extract your details from the uploaded image.
Provide Your Photo
Upload a passport-style photo of yourself. This should show your face clearly against a plain background, without glasses, hats, or head coverings (unless worn for religious reasons). The photo helps verify you are the passport holder.
Complete the Application Form
Enter your personal details, contact information, and answer all eligibility and security questions. The form must be completed in one session – if you close the browser or are inactive for 20 minutes, your progress will be lost and you must start over.
Review, Pay, and Submit
Verify all information, complete the £16 payment via card, and submit your application. Save your reference number and await the decision email. Processing times are identical to app submissions.
Applying for Others
You can apply on behalf of other people, including family members, children, or anyone else who needs a UK ETA. This is particularly useful for parents applying for minor children or travel coordinators handling group applications.
Family Applications
Each traveler requires their own individual ETA and must pay the fee separately. There is no family or group rate. When applying for children, you will need their passport and must answer questions on their behalf. The UK ETA app requires the applicant to be physically present for biometric capture, so for children you may find the online portal more practical.
Third-Party Applications
Travel agents, visa services, and other third parties can apply on your behalf using the GOV.UK website, but not through the app. If using a third-party service, ensure they apply through official channels only. You remain responsible for the accuracy of information provided, and the fee remains £16 regardless of any additional service charges.
Application Questions Explained
The UK ETA application includes questions about your background and travel history. Understanding what is being asked and why helps you answer accurately and completely.
Criminal History Questions
You must declare any criminal convictions from any country worldwide. This includes offenses that may be minor or resulted in non-custodial sentences. However, you do not need to declare convictions for activities that are legal in the UK (such as trade union membership in countries where this is criminalized). Failing to declare relevant convictions is a criminal offense and will result in refusal.
Immigration History Questions
Declare any previous visa refusals, deportations, or immigration violations in the UK or any other country. If you have overstayed a visa, been refused entry, or experienced immigration difficulties anywhere in the world, disclose this information. These factors do not automatically disqualify you but must be honestly declared.
Security Questions
Questions about terrorism, extremism, and serious crimes assess whether you pose security risks. These are straightforward for the vast majority of applicants. Answer honestly – very few legitimate travelers have issues with these questions.
After Submitting Your Application
Processing Times
| Scenario | Typical Time |
|---|---|
| Automatic approval (most common) | Minutes to hours |
| Manual review required | 1-3 working days |
| Extended security checks | 3+ working days |
Understanding Your Decision
Approved: Your ETA is valid for two years or until your passport expires. You can travel to the UK immediately and make unlimited visits during the validity period. Each visit can last up to six months.
Pending: Your application requires manual review. Wait for the decision email – do not reapply, as this creates duplicate applications and may cause further delays.
Refused: You cannot travel to the UK on an ETA. There is no appeal process. If you still wish to visit, you must apply for a standard visitor visa through the UK visa application process.
Important: Do not submit multiple applications. If you're waiting for a decision, duplicate submissions will delay processing and may be flagged as suspicious activity.
Common Application Problems and Solutions
Passport Chip Won't Scan
If the app cannot read your passport chip, try removing any phone case, ensure the passport is flat against your device, and move slowly across different areas of the passport. The chip location varies by country. If problems persist, apply online instead where chip scanning is not required.
Face Scan Keeps Failing
Improve lighting, remove glasses, ensure a plain background, and hold the phone at arm's length. Multiple failures may indicate the biometric photo in your passport differs significantly from your current appearance – consider applying online if problems persist.
App Crashes or Error Messages
Force close the app and restart. Ensure you have the latest app version and sufficient storage space. If technical issues persist, use the GOV.UK online application as an alternative.
Payment Failed
Verify your card details and ensure sufficient funds. Try an alternative payment method. Contact your bank if payments are being blocked. Do not submit multiple applications attempting different payment methods.