UK ETA Application Guide 2025
Complete Step-by-Step Help: Requirements, Costs & Common Problems Solved
Complete UK ETA application guide with step-by-step instructions, troubleshooting for rejections, and expert tips to avoid common mistakes and scams.
📱 Download Official UK ETA App
Available on iOS and Android
What is UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)?
The UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is a digital permission to travel to the UK. It’s similar to the US ESTA system and is required for visa-exempt travelers visiting the UK for tourism, business, or short stays.
Quick & Easy Application
- Only £10 official fee
- 3 working days processing
- 2-year validity
- Multiple entries allowed
Apply Online Only
- Mobile app (recommended)
- Gov.uk website
- Instant digital approval
- No physical documents
Secure Government Process
- Government verified
- Secure payment
- Data protection
- Official channels only
Who Needs UK ETA vs UK Visitor Visa?
Important: Not everyone can get ETA – some countries need a full visitor visa instead
✅ UK ETA REQUIRED (£10)
Visa-exempt countries that previously traveled visa-free:
EU Citizens (from April 2, 2025)
EU Settlement Scheme holders ⚠️
Canadian Citizens
Australian Citizens
New Zealand Citizens
Japanese Citizens
South Korean Citizens
Gulf States Citizens (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman)
Other visa-exempt countries
🔴 NEED UK VISITOR VISA (£115)
Countries that always required UK visas:
Indian Citizens
Russian Citizens
Pakistani Citizens
Nigerian Citizens
Turkish Citizens (some)
Thai Citizens
Filipino Citizens
Most African countries
Most Asian countries
Many South American countries
🤔 Not Sure Which You Need?
The key difference: ETA is only for countries that previously traveled to UK visa-free. If your country always needed a UK visa, you still need a visitor visa (not ETA).
Both allow the same stay: Up to 6 months per visit for tourism, business, or visiting family.
❌ Who Doesn’t Need ETA or Visitor Visa
How to Apply for UK ETA: Step-by-Step Guide
Download Official UK ETA App
Get the “UK ETA” app from App Store or Google Play. This is the easiest way to apply with automatic passport scanning.
Prepare Required Documents
You’ll need your passport (valid for 6+ months) and a digital photo with plain white background. Ensure passport chip is readable.
Complete Online Application
Fill in your details, upload photo, scan passport chip (or enter manually), and pay the £10 official fee securely online.
Receive ETA Approval
Most applications are approved within minutes to 3 working days. You’ll receive email confirmation with your ETA status.
⚠️ UK ETA Common Problems & Solutions
Passport Scanning Problems
US Passport Holders: The chip is in the INSIDE back cover, not the front!
Quick Fixes:
- Remove phone case before scanning
- Try scanning inside back cover
- Skip chip scan and enter details manually
- Use good lighting
- Ensure NFC is enabled (Android)
App Crashes & Technical Issues
Alternative Solutions:
- Use the web version at gov.uk instead
- Clear app cache and restart phone
- Update to latest iOS/Android version
- Try on different device
Common UK ETA Rejection Reasons & How to Fix:
- ✅ Photo issues: Use plain white background, good lighting, no shadows, face clearly visible
- ✅ Passport details mismatch: Double-check spelling and numbers exactly as on passport
- ✅ Dual citizenship: Use passport from eligible country only
- ✅ Criminal record: May need standard visitor visa instead of ETA
- ✅ Previous UK immigration issues: Consider applying for standard visa
Your Action Plan After Rejection:
- Review rejection email carefully for specific reasons
- Fix the identified issues before reapplying
- Apply again immediately (£10 fee applies again)
- Consider standard visitor visa if rejected multiple times
Official processing time: Up to 3 working days
Current reality: Most UK ETA applications approved within minutes to hours
If Your UK ETA Application is Delayed:
- ✅ Check spam/junk folder for approval email
- ✅ Wait 5 working days before contacting UKVI
- ✅ Prepare backup standard visa application
- ✅ Document any costs if travel plans are affected
- ✅ Contact airline about rebooking if travel is imminent
⚠️ Important UK ETA Warnings & Scam Alerts
🚨 Avoid UK ETA Scam Websites
Official UK ETA Cost: £10 only
Beware: Third-party sites charging £50-100+ for same service
Only use official channels:
- Official UK ETA mobile app
- GOV.UK website only
- No other sites are authorized by UK government
⏰ Apply for UK ETA Early
Processing time: Usually within 3 working days
Our recommendation: Apply at least 1 week before travel
Rush processing: Not available from any provider
Late UK ETA applications may result in missed flights and no compensation
Official UK ETA Application Links Only
UK ETA Frequently Asked Questions
The official UK ETA costs £10 when applied through official channels (UK ETA app or GOV.UK website).
Warning: Many third-party websites charge £50-100+ for the same service. These sites are not authorized by the UK government and cannot provide faster processing or better approval chances.
- Official processing time: Up to 3 working days
- Current reality: Most applications approved within minutes to hours
- Plan ahead: Apply at least 1 week before travel
- No rush service: Available from any provider, official or third-party
Airside transit: If you don’t pass through UK border control and stay in the international transit area, no ETA needed
Landside transit: If you need to collect luggage, change terminals, or pass through UK border control, ETA is required
Check with your airline if unsure about your specific transit requirements and terminal arrangements.
- Review the rejection reason carefully in the email
- Fix the identified issues (usually photo quality or passport details mismatch)
- Apply again immediately (£10 fee applies for new application)
- Consider standard visitor visa if repeatedly rejected
Common rejection reasons: poor photo quality, passport details mismatch, criminal record, previous UK immigration issues.
No! One UK ETA allows:
- Multiple trips to the UK
- 2-year validity (or until passport expires)
- Up to 6 months per visit
- Tourism, business, short study, visiting family
If UK ETA processing delays or rejections cause you to miss flights:
- Document everything – keep screenshots, emails, and application receipts
- Save all receipts for additional accommodation and rebooking costs
- Contact your airline immediately about rebooking options
- Check flight compensation rights – you may be entitled to compensation under certain circumstances