UK Documents for a UK ETA
What you must prepare: passport rules, digital photo standards, and a handy checklist.
Essential UK ETA Documents
Valid passport
Issued by an eligible visa‑exempt country, valid for your full stay, machine‑readable and undamaged. Details must match your application exactly.
Recent digital photo
Colour photo on a plain light background, taken within 6 months, neutral expression, no hats or sunglasses.
Email address
Used to receive confirmation and status updates.
Payment method
Debit/credit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay to pay the £16 fee.
Passport Guidelines
Use the same passport for travel
Your ETA links to a single passport. If you renew or replace it, apply for a new ETA.
Validity through your stay
Passport should remain valid for the entire visit.
Exact details
Enter the passport number and personal details exactly as printed.
Machine‑readable & undamaged
Damaged or unreadable documents can lead to refusals or delays.
UK ETA Photo Requirements
Do
Use a plain, light background
Neutral expression, eyes visible
Even lighting, no shadows or glare
Recent colour photo (≤6 months old)
Don’t
No sunglasses or tinted lenses
No hats or headwear (unless permitted)
No selfies at odd angles
No dark or patterned backgrounds
Photos that fail technical checks cause delays. Follow these rules to avoid rejection.
Additional Documents You May Be Asked For (at the border)
Return or onward ticket
Accommodation details
Hotel booking or host address/contact.
Funds for your stay
Evidence of sufficient means if requested.
These are not required for the ETA application itself but may be requested by UK Border Force on arrival.
UK ETA Documents Checklist
Valid passport (eligible & in date)
Compliant digital photo
Email address for updates
Payment method for £16 fee
(Optional) Itinerary or return ticket for border checks
Documents FAQs
Do children need their own passport and photo? Yes. Every traveller — including infants and children — must apply with an individual passport and a compliant digital photo.
Can I apply with an emergency or temporary passport? No. Use a full, machine‑readable passport from an eligible country.
What if my passport expires soon? Your passport must be valid for your entire stay. Renew it first if it will expire before or during your trip.
Do I need to upload a photo? Yes. A recent digital photo that meets UK standards is required.
Can I scan an old printed photo? No. Provide a recent digital photo that meets UK requirements.
Ready to apply?
With your documents prepared, your application takes minutes.
Documents FAQs
What photo background is required for a UK ETA? Use a plain, light background with even lighting. Avoid patterns, strong colours, shadows and glare.
Can I wear glasses or head coverings in my ETA photo? Glasses often create glare—remove them if possible. No sunglasses or tinted lenses. Head coverings are only allowed for medical or religious reasons and must not obscure facial features.
Do children and infants need their own photo and passport? Yes. Every traveller, including infants and children, must apply with an individual passport and a compliant digital photo.
Can I upload a scan of an old printed photo? No. You should provide a recent digital photo that meets the UK standards for lighting, background and clarity.
What if my passport is damaged or about to expire? Replace a damaged passport and ensure it remains valid for your stay. If you renew your passport after approval, you will need to apply for a new ETA linked to the new passport.
Are there specific file types or sizes for the photo? Provide a clear, unedited digital image in a common format such as JPEG or PNG. Avoid overly large files or images with heavy filters or compression artefacts.
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UK ETA
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