A Complete Guide for the UK ETA Application Form

Traveling to the United Kingdom for short stays now requires an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for many visitors. This guide explains what the ETA is, who needs it, and provides detailed instructions—from eligibility to payment and confirmation—so you can confidently complete your application.

What is the UK ETA and Who Needs It?

The UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is a digital entry requirement for travelers visiting the United Kingdom for tourism, business, short-term study, or transit purposes. In essence, it acts as a virtual pre-approval, similar to an online entry ticket, which allows you to board your flight and approach the UK border. However, while the ETA authorizes your travel, it does not guarantee entry—standard border checks still apply upon arrival.

Key Points:

• Digital Pre-Approval: The ETA is not a visa. It is an electronic permission linked to your passport.
• Short Stays: It permits visits of up to 6 months for tourism, family visits, or business meetings.
• Visa-Exempt Nationals: The ETA is required for citizens from many visa-exempt countries (e.g., the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, most European countries, and others) who previously did not require a visa.
• Children Included: Every traveler, regardless of age—including infants and children—must have an individual ETA if they are from an eligible country.
• Exemptions: UK and Irish citizens, those holding valid UK visas or residence permits, and travelers with EU Settlement Scheme status do not need an ETA. Also, if you are merely transiting airside without crossing border control, an ETA may not be required.

Purpose of Visit:

• Short-Term Visits: The ETA covers visits lasting up to 6 months. Acceptable activities include tourism (vacations, family visits), business meetings, academic short courses, journalism assignments, and transit.
• Limited Activities: You cannot use the ETA for long-term employment, study, marriage, or living in the UK. Work rights, long-term residence, or access to public funds are not permitted under an ETA.
• Special Categories: In some cases, visitors arriving under the Creative Worker visa concession or permitted paid engagements may use an ETA for up to 3 months.

Duration and Validity:

• Visit Duration: Each stay under an ETA can last up to 6 months (or 3 months for certain specific categories).
• Multiple Entries: Once approved, your ETA is valid for multiple entries over a period of 2 years or until your passport expires—whichever comes first. This means you can travel several times during the validity period, as long as each visit does not exceed 6 months.
• Overstaying Risks: It is essential not to overstay the permitted time per visit. Abusing the system by frequent successive trips with the ETA can result in problems with future travel.

Passport Requirements:

• Validity: Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your travel. If your passport is due to expire soon, note that your ETA will only be valid until the passport expires.
• E-Passports: While e-passports (with an electronic chip) facilitate faster scanning, they are not mandatory. If your passport is not chip-enabled, you may still apply by manually entering your details.

Step-by-Step Walkthrough of the UK ETA Application Form

With your documents ready, you can now start the application process.

Starting Your Application:

• Access the Official Platform:

  • Download the UK ETA app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store if using a mobile device. Make sure the app is published by UK Visas and Immigration.
  • Alternatively, visit the UK ETA application form.
  • The landing page will prompt you to select your preferred language and will ask for your email address to create a basic login.

Enter Personal Details:

• Input your full name exactly as it appears on your passport, including any middle names.
• Provide your date of birth, gender, place of birth, and nationality. If the app auto-fills these details from your passport scan, verify that they are correct.
• Some forms may request your passport issuance and expiry dates at this stage.

Submit Passport Information:

• You will be asked to enter your passport number, the issuing country or authority, and the dates of issue and expiry.
• On the mobile app, this is often managed by the scanning function. Follow the prompts to capture a clear image of your passport’s bio page.
• Review the auto-extracted details carefully. If any information is misread (such as a letter or digit error), correct it manually.
• On the web form, enter these details by hand and upload your passport scan if required.

Fill in Contact and Travel Details:

• Provide a valid email address. This is essential, as all notifications and confirmations will be sent to this address.

• Enter your residential address and, if requested, your phone number. This information is used for security and record-keeping.
• You will not need to provide detailed travel itineraries. Instead, simply state the general purpose of your visit (e.g., “Tourism – visiting family and sightseeing” or “Transit”).

Answer Eligibility Questions:

• The form includes a series of questions about your background to ensure you meet the entry requirements.

• Typical questions cover your current occupation, criminal history, any additional nationalities you hold, and previous travel or immigration issues.

• Answer these truthfully and check any tick-box options or provide explanations as needed. Accuracy is crucial; discrepancies can delay or result in a refusal.

Review Your Application:

• Before proceeding to payment, review every section of your application.
• Verify that your personal details, passport data, and answers to background questions match your official documents.
• Check that your uploaded images (passport scan and digital photo) are clear and compliant.
• Correct any errors using the edit function before final submission.

Payment and Submission:

• Once you are confident that all details are correct, clear the declaration and proceed to the payment section.

• The application fee is clearly displayed at this stage.
• Enter your payment information using accepted methods (credit/debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay).

• After a successful transaction, a confirmation screen will appear, and your application will be automatically submitted.
• A confirmation email will be sent to your registered email address. Save or print this email as proof of submission.

Following these steps carefully will help ensure your application is completed accurately and submitted without issues.

Fees and Payment Process

Applying for a UK ETA involves a straightforward fee structure and an integrated online payment system. Here’s what you need to know about UK ETA costs and the payment process.

ETA Application Fee:

• Standard Fee: The current fee is £10 per applicant. This flat fee applies whether your visit is for one week or the full 6 months.
• Upcoming Increase: Note that the fee is scheduled to rise to £16 from 9 April 2025. Always check the official website for the most current fee before applying.
• Comparison with Other Systems: The fee is modest compared to similar travel authorizations (for example, the US ESTA and EU’s ETIAS).

Payment Details:

• Who Pays: Each traveler must pay individually; there are no discounts for groups or families.
• Accepted Methods: The official application accepts major credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB) as well as digital wallet options like Apple Pay or Google Pay.
• Currency: The fee is charged in British Pounds (£). If your card is in another currency, the amount will be converted automatically by your bank.
• Non-Refundable Policy: Once the fee is paid and the application is submitted, it is non-refundable—even if the ETA is later refused or you decide not to travel.
• Receipt: After payment, you will see an on-screen confirmation. Additionally, a confirmation email containing a reference number and transaction details will be sent to your email address. Save this email for future reference.

Confirmation and Next Steps after Submission

After you have completed your application and submitted payment, the final stage is to wait for your ETA decision. Here’s what to expect once you hit submit.

Confirmation Email:

• Immediate Acknowledgment: Almost immediately, you should receive a confirmation email from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) acknowledging receipt of your application.
• Reference Number: This email will include an application reference number or ETA application ID. Keep this as it serves as proof of submission.
• Multiple Applicants: If applying for family members, each individual will receive a separate confirmation email at the address provided.

Waiting for a Decision:

• Automated Processing: Most ETA applications are processed automatically and decisions are made within minutes to a few hours.
• Maximum Wait Time: Although many decisions are quick, the official guideline allows up to 6 working days for a decision. In rare cases, manual reviews may extend the wait slightly.
• Check Spam: If you do not receive a decision within the expected time, check your spam or junk folder and then use the online chat support available on the GOV.UK website.

ETA Approval and Use:

• Approval Email: Once approved, you will receive an email containing your ETA reference number and details regarding its validity. Typically, the ETA is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires—whichever comes first.
• Electronic Linkage: The ETA is electronically linked to your passport. No physical document or visa sticker is issued.
• Travel Requirements: When you check in for your flight or at the border, the airline or immigration officer will scan your passport to verify the presence of the ETA. It is advisable to have a copy of your approval email saved on your phone as a backup.

Passport Scan Requirements

An important part of the UK ETA application is providing a clear scan or photo of your passport’s biographical page. This page contains your photograph and personal details, which the system uses to verify your identity.

Essential Guidelines:

• Original, Valid Passport: Use the passport you will be traveling with. Do not submit an expired passport, photocopy, or a poorly reproduced scan.
• Full-Page Image: Ensure the entire passport data page is visible. The scan should capture the full page, with all edges clearly shown. Use a dark background to help distinguish the page’s boundaries.
• Clear and Legible: The image must be free of glare and shadows. Use a well-lit setting and position your device directly above the passport. Ensure that all printed details (name, passport number, etc.) are in sharp focus.
• No Alterations: Do not crop, edit, or mark the image. Submit the image exactly as captured so that border officials can verify it without discrepancies.
• Multiple Applications: When applying for family members, each traveler’s passport scan must be uploaded individually.

Technical Tips:

• Using the Mobile App: The official UK ETA app guides you through the scanning process. It may prompt you to scan your passport’s chip if available, automatically extracting your details.
• Fallback to Manual Entry: If the chip scan fails or your passport lacks a chip, the app will allow you to manually enter your details after you upload a high-quality photo.
• Double-Check for Accuracy: Review the extracted information carefully. Even a single digit error in your passport number can lead to complications with your ETA.

Digital Photo Guidelines

Along with your passport scan, you must provide a recent digital photograph that meets strict requirements similar to a passport photo. This photo is used to verify your identity.

Requirements for the Digital Photo:

• Full-Frame Head and Shoulders: The image should clearly show your full face, head, and the top of your shoulders. Position your head centrally, leaving adequate space around your face
• Neutral Expression: Maintain a neutral expression—no exaggerated smiles or frowns. A slight, natural look is acceptable, but the safest option is a completely neutral expression. Remove any sunglasses or tinted glasses to ensure your eyes are clearly visible.
• Proper Lighting and Background: Use balanced, natural or diffused lighting to avoid harsh shadows. The background should be plain and light-colored (white, off-white, or light gray), free from any distracting patterns or objects.

• High-Quality Image: The photo must be in color, well-exposed, and sharp. It should be free from blur or distortions. Most modern smartphone cameras are sufficient, but make sure the image file meets the size and resolution requirements (commonly under 5MB and at least 600 pixels in one dimension).
• No Editing or Filters: Do not apply any filters or heavy editing that alter your appearance. The photo must be a true representation of you as you normally look.

Using the UK ETA App for Your Photo:

• Live Scan Process: If you apply via the mobile app, you will be guided through a live face scan. Hold your device steady as the app captures a selfie and checks the quality.
• Real-Time Feedback: The app may prompt you to adjust your position or lighting if it detects issues. You can retake the photo as needed until it meets the guidelines.
• Alternative Submission: If using the web form on a computer, prepare a compliant digital photo in advance and upload it via the designated button.

Ensuring your digital photo meets these requirements is critical. A non-compliant photo can delay or result in the rejection of your ETA application, so take the time to get it right.

Tips and Reminders for a Smooth ETA Application

To avoid common pitfalls during the application process, keep the following tips in mind:

• Apply in Advance: Although many ETAs are approved within minutes, apply at least a week or two before your planned travel to allow time for any unexpected delays.
• Double-Check Your Entries: Verify every detail—especially your name, passport number, and date of birth—against your passport. Even small errors can lead to delays or a refusal.
• Ensure Document Quality: Upload high-quality scans and photos. Follow the guidelines for clear images to prevent the system from rejecting your documents.
• Keep Your Email Accessible: Use an email account you regularly check, as all communications and decisions will be sent to this address. Add the sender to your safe contacts if needed.
• Travel with the Correct Passport: Your ETA is tied to the passport used during your application. If you renew your passport, remember that your ETA does not transfer to the new one.
• Family Applications: Each family member, including infants, needs an individual ETA. Plan and gather all required documents ahead of time to streamline the process.
• Honesty is Crucial: Provide accurate and truthful answers to all questions. Inaccuracies or omissions can result in a denial, and once submitted, the details cannot be changed.
• Review Before Submission: Take time during the review stage to ensure that every field is correct. It’s easier to fix errors before payment rather than reapplying later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Content Disclaimer: Though this content was refreshed as recently as April 2025, it's wise to verify all travel details with the pertinent agencies, embassies, and airlines to ensure their current accuracy.