How to Apply for a UK ETA

UK ETA stands for United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorisation.

Planning a trip to the United Kingdom is exciting – new cultures, historic sites, and maybe a hearty plate of fish and chips await you. But before you pack your bags, there's one small yet essential step to take: obtaining your UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). If you've never applied for an ETA before, don't worry. We're here to guide you through the process step by step. Think of it as mapping out your journey: each step gets you closer to your UK adventure. Ready to get started?

Smiling traveller at home holding a passport and UK Flag

What is a UK ETA and Who Needs One?

A UK ETA is a digital travel permit – like a virtual key that lets you board your flight to the UK. It's not a physical visa stamp, but an electronic authorisation linked to your passport. Travellers from many visa-exempt countries (like the US, Canada, and most of Europe) will need an ETA to visit the UK for up to 6 months.

In simple terms, if you're visiting the UK as a tourist, for business meetings, or short studies and you don't already have a visa or UK residence, you'll likely need an ETA. (British and Irish citizens are exempt, among a few others.) The ETA ensures you're pre-approved for travel, giving you peace of mind before you fly.

Why Apply for Your UK ETA in Advance?

Imagine arriving at the airport with everything ready to go, only to be told you can't board your flight. Heartbreaking, right? The ETA is that important. Airlines will check that you have a valid ETA (or other permission) before you can even set foot on the plane to the UK. Applying for your ETA well in advance ensures you won't face last-minute surprises.

Plus, while many ETA approvals come through quickly – sometimes in minutes – some applications can take a few days if they need manual review. We always say, better safe than sorry. Aim to apply at least 7 working days before your trip, so you'll have your ETA in your email inbox by the time you head to the airport.

How to Apply for UK ETA – Step by Step

Let’s walk through the UK ETA application process together. It's a lot like planning a journey: take it one step at a time, and you'll be done before you know it. Ready? Here we go!

Step 1: Start on the ETA Application Platform

Every great trip begins with the first step. For your ETA, that first step is visiting the UK ETA application website. Open your browser and go to the UK ETA Application Form. This is like arriving at the departure gate for your UK journey – it's where everything begins. Once there, you'll find an application form ready to be filled.

Pro tip: Have your passport handy before you start. Think of it as your boarding pass for this online journey.

Laptop Open With Uk Eta Application Form

Step 2: Fill in Your Personal Details (Exactly as in Your Passport)

Now that you're on the platform, it’s time to enter your personal details. This is the digital equivalent of introducing yourself at the UK border. Type in your full name, date of birth, and nationality just as they appear on your passport. Double-check the spelling and numbers – even a minor typo (like one letter off in your name or a transposed digit in your passport number) could cause hiccups later.

Remember, your ETA will be electronically linked to your passport, so the details must match exactly. It’s a bit like making sure the name on your flight ticket matches your passport – a small detail that makes a big difference. Take a deep breath, fill in those fields carefully, and you'll be off to a great start.

Step 3: Provide Your Basic Travel Information

Next up, the form will ask for a few details about your trip. Think of this as sharing your travel story. When are you planning to arrive in the UK, and how long will you stay? You'll typically need to input your intended arrival date and perhaps a departure date or the length of your stay. You might also be asked the reason for your visit (holiday, business, family visit, etc.). Keep it honest and simple – the UK just wants to know the broad strokes of your plan.

It’s like telling a friend, "I’ll be in London from June 1st to June 10th for a holiday." No need for exact minute-by-minute itineraries, just the basics. Providing this information helps ensure your ETA covers the right dates of travel. And don't worry, if your plans change slightly after you get your ETA (say, you arrive a day later), the ETA will still be valid as long as it covers the period you're entering the UK.

Step 4: Choose Your Processing Speed

Here comes a bit of an express vs. local train moment: choosing how fast you need your ETA processed. The UK ETA service typically offers three speeds:

Standard Processing (1-6 Working Days): This is the regular service. It's like taking the scenic route – usually the most budget-friendly and you'll get your ETA within a week at most. Perfect if you're applying well in advance.
Rush Processing (1- 3 Working Days): Need your ETA a bit sooner? Rush is your middle option – a faster train, if you will. For an extra fee, your application is prioritised so you get a result in a few days (1- 3 Working Days).
Super Rush Processing 24 Hours: In a hurry to get on that plane? Super Rush is the express train that zooms ahead. It aims to get you an ETA result in around 24 Hours. This convenience comes at a higher cost, but it’s a relief if you need that approval urgently.

Take a moment to decide which option suits your timeline and budget. If your trip is still a month away, Standard might do just fine. If you’re staring at your flight booking for next week without an ETA in hand, you might consider Rush or Super Rush.

Remember: even with Rush options, it's wise to apply a few days ahead of your flight in case of any unexpected delays. Just like catching an earlier train to ensure you arrive on time, giving yourself a buffer can save a lot of stress.

Step 5: Upload a Scan of Your Passport and a Recent Photo

Now for the digital paperwork. The application will ask you to upload a copy of your passport’s photo page and a recent passport-style photograph of yourself. This step is like the security checkpoint – verifying you are who you say you are.

Passport Scan: Take a clear, colour scan or photo of the page in your passport that has your photo and details (name, passport number, etc.). Make sure all corners are visible and there’s no blur or glare. This is your key document, so quality matters.
Your Photo: If required, upload a recent photo of yourself. Think passport photo standards: plain light background, no glasses, neutral expression. (Tip: You can usually take one with your smartphone against a white wall!) Some applications might even let you snap a live photo via a smartphone app.

Imagine you're at the airport check-in handing over your passport – that's essentially what you're doing here, but digitally. Once these files are uploaded, give them a quick look to ensure they've attached correctly. It would be a shame to go through all the steps only to find your passport scan was cut off. When everything looks good, proceed to the next step.

Smartphone and passport for an online application

Step 6: Pay the ETA Fee (Have Your Card Ready)

With documents in place, it's time to settle the payment. The UK ETA fee for a standard application is about £16 (roughly €19 or $21). Note that this fee saw a slight increase from 9 April 2025, reflecting improvements to the service. If you chose a Rush or Super Rush processing speed, there will be an additional charge on top of the base fee for that faster service. The system will show you the total before you pay.

Reach for your credit or debit card (or an alternative payment method like Apple Pay or Google Pay, if supported) and proceed with the payment. This part is as straightforward as any online purchase: enter your card details, double-check everything, and confirm the payment.

A quick tip: ensure your card has international purchase capability and sufficient balance. Also, all ETA fees are non-refundable, so make sure you're committed before hitting that pay button – even if your ETA is refused or you decide not to travel, you won't get this fee back. Think of it as buying a ticket for a concert: once purchased, you can't get a refund if you change your mind. Be certain and be accurate with your info.

Traveller's hand holding a credit card, completing an online payment on a laptop

Step 7: Submit Your Application and Save the Reference Number

You’ve reviewed every detail, uploaded documents, and paid the fee. Now, with a mix of excitement and a touch of nerves, it's time to hit "Submit". Clicking that submit button is like dropping your letter in the post – your information is on its way to the UK authorities for approval.

Once you submit, the screen should show a confirmation that your application has been received. In many cases, you'll get a reference number or confirmation code. Save this number! Jot it down, take a screenshot, or have it emailed to yourself if possible. It's your receipt and proof of application. If anything needs following up, or if you want to Check your UK ETA Application Status, that reference is your key. Losing it can cause unnecessary hassle, much like losing a luggage tracking receipt when your bag is in transit. So keep it safe.

After submission, there's not much else to do but wait. The hard work is done. Pat yourself on the back – you've successfully sent off your UK ETA application! Now it's just a short wait until your ETA is processed.

Step 8: Receive Your ETA by Email

This is the moment you've been waiting for. The UK authorities will review your application, and when approved, your ETA confirmation will arrive via email. It's like receiving an e-ticket for your trip. In that email, you'll find confirmation of your Electronic Travel Authorisation, often with your ETA reference number and the validity period (ETAs are valid for multiple trips over a certain time frame of two years, or until your passport expires).

Happy traveller holding UK flag with Big Ben tower in the background

What should you do when this email arrives? First, celebrate – you're officially cleared for travel! Then, read the email carefully. It will contain important details, and though the ETA is electronic (meaning airlines and border officials can check it in their systems), it's wise to have a copy on hand. We recommend printing out the ETA confirmation or saving it to your phone. It's a bit like carrying your boarding pass; digital is fine, but a backup paper copy can provide extra peace of mind.

If you don't see an email within the expected timeframe (remember those processing times in Step 4), check your spam or junk folder – sometimes important messages hide in there. We send your ETA result to the email you provided, so ensure that the email address was typed correctly on your application (one of those details we double-checked in Step 2!).

With your ETA in your inbox, you're all set. You can now travel to the UK knowing you have the necessary authorisation. Upon arrival, the airline staff or border officers might verify that you have an ETA, but you won’t need to present any visa sticker – it's all electronic and tied to your passport. Smooth and easy, just the way travel should be.

Summary: Your Ticket to a Smooth UK Adventure

Applying for a UK ETA might have sounded daunting at first, but as we've seen, it's actually a straightforward process when broken down into steps.

To recap, you start at the UK ETA Application Site, fill in your personal and travel details with care, choose a processing speed that fits your timeline, upload your passport and photo, pay the fee, and submit. Then, with a little patience, you receive your ETA by email, and you're ready for takeoff.

Throughout this process, accuracy and honesty are your best friends. Small mistakes can lead to delays or even refusals, so take your time at each step. We specialising in UK ETA services, are here to support you if you need help or have questions along the way. Our goal is to make this as easy as planning the fun parts of your trip – like picking your must-see spots in London or Edinburgh.

Your UK ETA is the key to your UK journey. With it in hand (or rather, in your inbox), you can travel with confidence and peace of mind. You've done the work, and now the UK awaits you with open arms. So go ahead, finish packing your suitcase, plan your itinerary, and get ready to create wonderful memories in the United Kingdom!

We know you might still have a few questions. Following are answers to some common queries to help first-time UK ETA applicants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Travellers visiting the UK short-term (up to 6 months) from countries that don't require a traditional visa will need an ETA. For example, citizens of the EU, US, Canada, Australia, and many others need to apply for an ETA before their trip. (If you already have a UK visa or residency, or you're British/Irish, you don't need one.)

It's best to apply at least 7 working days before your flight. While many ETAs are approved faster, some can take up to 72 hours or slightly more if manual review is needed. Applying a week or two ahead of your travel date is a great idea, especially for peace of mind.

If you realise you've made a mistake before submitting, simply correct it in the form. If you notice the error after submission (or on your approved ETA), you will likely need to reapply and pay the fee again with the correct details. Unfortunately, details on a submitted ETA can't be changed, and the fee is non-refundable, so double-check everything before you hit submit.

The ETA is electronic, so you don't need a physical document to show when boarding. However, we recommend printing the confirmation email or saving a screenshot on your phone. This way, if there's ever any question, you have proof handy. It’s like carrying a copy of your flight ticket – usually not needed, but reassuring to have.

If your expected processing time has passed and there's no email, first check your spam/junk folder. If it's not there, you can contact UK ETA Customer Support with your reference number to inquire. Don't worry yet – sometimes approvals take a bit longer due to volume or random checks. This is why applying early is important. Our team is always here to help you track it down.

A UK ETA, or Electronic Travel Authorization, permits specific visa-exempt individuals to enter the UK without requiring a visa. This digital travel authorization grants permission to travel digitally and remains valid for up to two years or until the passport's expiration. To obtain an ETA, applicants must furnish biographic, biometric, and contact information, along with responding to a series of suitability questions through a designated mobile app or website. The implementation of the ETA scheme aligns with the UK's initiatives aimed at modernising and digitising border operations, aiming to enhance both security measures and customer satisfaction.

The UK ETA program primarily targets visitors who either do not require a visa for short UK stays or lack prior immigration status. The scheme became accessible to citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan, who will need a UK ETA for travel from February 22, 2024. Qatari nationals are already subject to this requirement, while other nationalities are currently ineligible and exempt from application. However, additional nationalities may become eligible later. Furthermore, individuals with a valid visa, permission to reside, work, or study in the UK, or possessing a British or Irish passport are exempt from requiring a UK ETA. Additionally, residents of Ireland travelling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man do not need a UK ETA.

To apply for a UK ETA, follow these steps:

Check Eligibility: Ensure you are eligible for the ETA. Currently, it is available for citizens of specific countries who do not require a visa for short stays in the UK.
Gather Required Documents: Prepare necessary documents such as your passport details, biographic information, and contact details.
Access the Application Portal: Visit the official government website or use the designated mobile app to access the ETA application portal.
Complete the Application Form: Fill out the online application form accurately with the required information, including personal details and travel plans.
Provide Biometric Information: You may be asked to provide biometric information as part of the application process.
Answer Suitability Questions: Answer any suitability questions presented during the application process.
Pay the Fee: Pay the application fee using the accepted payment methods.
Submit the Application: Review your application carefully and submit it through the online portal.
Wait for Processing: Await a decision on your application. In most cases, you'll receive a response within a 1-6 Working Days.
Receive Approval: Upon approval, you will receive your ETA electronically, which you can use for travel to the UK.

When applying for a UK ETA, you will typically need to provide the following information ensuring that they are all accurate and up-to-date to avoid delays or complications in the application process.

Personal Details: This includes your full name as it appears on your passport, date of birth, gender, and nationality.
Passport Information: You will need to provide your passport number, date of issue, and expiry date. Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your intended stay in the UK.
Contact Information: You will need to provide a valid email address and phone number where you can be contacted regarding your application.
Travel Details: This includes your intended travel dates, purpose of visit (such as tourism, business, study, or medical reasons), and details of your accommodation in the UK if available.
Biometric Information: Depending on the requirements, you may need to provide biometric information such as fingerprints or a digital photograph.
Suitability Questions: You may be asked to answer a set of suitability questions related to your travel history, criminal record, and other relevant factors.

Yes, you can travel to the UK while your ETA application is being processed. However, it's important to note that having a pending ETA application does not guarantee entry into the UK. If you decide to travel while your application is being processed, you must ensure that you meet all other entry requirements for the UK, such as holding a valid passport and any necessary visas.

Additionally, if your ETA application is denied or if you are found ineligible for entry into the UK, you may be refused entry upon arrival. Therefore, it's advisable to wait until you receive approval for your ETA before making any travel plans to the UK.

Content Disclaimer: This content was refreshed in April 2025. Please confirm all travel details with the UK embassies, agencies, and airlines for complete accuracy.