UK ETA Process
How to apply, what you need, and expected timelines.
Quick overview
Where to apply
UK ETA mobile app or the official online portal.
Time to complete
About 5–10 minutes.
Decision time
Usually within hours; allow up to 3 working days.
Fee
£16 per person.
What you need
Passport from an eligible country.
Digital photo
Plain light background, neutral expression.
Email address
For updates and decision notices.
Payment method
Debit/credit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay.
Step-by-step: UK ETA process
Step 1
Create or sign in
Open the UK ETA app or official website and start a new application.
Scan/enter passport
Scan NFC in the app if available, or enter details exactly as printed.
Step 2
Step 3
Add a compliant photo
Plain light background • Neutral expression • Good lighting.
Answer questions
Confirm travel purpose and eligibility; answer security questions honestly.
Step 4
Step 5
Pay the fee (£16)
Pay by card or mobile wallet. Your application submits after successful payment.
Get updates & decision
Most decisions arrive within hours; allow up to 3 working days.
Step 6
Step 7
After approval
Your ETA links to your passport digitally. Travel with the same passport—no printout needed.
What happens after you apply?
Confirmation email
You’ll receive a receipt and status updates.
If approved
Your ETA becomes active immediately and is checked against your passport.
If refused
Consider the appropriate UK visa for your circumstances.
New passport?
ETAs aren’t transferable—apply again if your passport changes.
Typical timeline (what to expect)
Complete application (5–10 mins) and pay £16.Day 0
Most decisions arrive (often same day).0–24 hours
Some applications need additional checks.Up to 3 working days
Common mistakes that delay the process
Wrong passport number
Double-check letters and digits before paying.
Non‑compliant photo
Avoid shadows, glare, dark backgrounds or selfies at odd angles.
Applying too close to departure
Allow up to 3 working days for checks.
Payment fails 3‑D Secure
Use a supported card or try Apple/Google Pay.
Quick process checklist
Passport (eligible)
Compliant digital photo
Email address for updates
Payment method (£16 fee)
Apply ≥ 3 days before travel
UK ETA Process FAQs
Is the ETA a visa?
No. It’s a pre‑travel authorisation linked to your passport.
Do children follow the same process?
Yes. Each traveller — including infants — must submit a separate application and pay the fee.
Can I apply for multiple people at once?
You must submit separate applications, but you can complete them one after another.
Do I need to print the ETA?
No. It’s digital and checked against your passport.
What if I get a new passport after approval?
Apply again; ETAs can’t be transferred to a new passport.
Ready to apply?
Have your passport, photo and payment method ready — the application takes minutes.
UK ETA
UK ETA
UK ETA Service LTD