1. Executive Summary & Application Overview
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital permission to travel for specified nationals who do not normally need a visa for the relevant journey. An ETA can cover tourism, visiting family and friends, permitted business visits, short-term study and certain other permitted purposes. An ETA is permission to travel, not a guarantee of permission to enter the UK.
2. Step-by-Step UK ETA Application Process
The table below outlines the 5 steps to complete your UK ETA application:
| Step | Action Required | Application Tip / Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Start the application | Use the official UK ETA app or GOV.UK online application | Use the passport you will travel with |
| 2. Provide passport details | Photograph/scan the passport and, where required by the app, scan the biometric chip | The ETA must be linked to the passport used for travel |
| 3. Complete identity checks | Use the app's face-scan and face-photo steps where applicable | Follow the current GOV.UK photo instructions rather than using an unofficial photo standard |
| 4. Answer the questions | Provide the requested personal, travel and suitability information | Answer accurately; false information or failure to disclose relevant facts can lead to refusal |
| 5. Pay and submit | Pay the current £20 fee and submit the application | The application confirmation and later decision email provide the relevant ETA reference information |
3. Common Errors That Delay ETA Approval
Problems can arise from incorrect passport details, identity or passport-scanning problems, unsuitable identity photographs, or information that raises suitability concerns. Previous immigration history can also matter. Applicants should answer every question accurately because false representations or failure to disclose relevant facts can lead to refusal under the ETA rules.
4. What to Do If Your ETA Is Refused
If an ETA is refused, there is no right to administrative review or appeal. If you still want to travel to the UK, you need to apply for an appropriate visa for the purpose of your proposed journey; this is not necessarily always a Standard Visitor visa. A rejected ETA application is different: a rejected application can generally be followed by a fresh ETA application.
Essential Summary & 2026 Checklist
- The current UK ETA application fee is £20. A valid ETA lasts for up to 2 years or until the linked passport expires, whichever is sooner, and permits multiple journeys subject to the immigration rules.
- Apply using the official 'UK ETA' app or on GOV.UK.
- You will usually receive an ETA decision within 3 working days, although some applications take longer.
- Answer ETA suitability and immigration-history questions accurately; false information or failure to disclose relevant facts can lead to refusal.
- If an ETA is refused, there is no administrative review or appeal; if you still wish to travel, you must apply for the appropriate UK visa for your intended purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions (6)
International Money Transfer & FX Rates
Sending funds for tuition, rent, or immigration fees? Retail banks sneak 2.5%–4% into exchange rates. Check today's real mid-market rate first.
UK Visa Application & Pre-Arrival Security
Protect passport uploads, UKVI eVisa accounts, and booking portals from public network interception.