Frequently Asked Questions
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What is a UK ETA and why is it required?
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation is a pre-screening system introduced by the UK Home Office to verify the eligibility of visa-exempt travellers before they board transport to the United Kingdom. It is mandatory for short-stay visits and forms part of the UK's digital border framework.
Who needs a UK ETA?
Visitors from 85 visa-exempt nationalities, including the United States, Canada, and most European countries, need an ETA for short stays in the United Kingdom. The requirement covers tourism, family visits, business meetings, and short courses, and carriers must confirm every traveller holds a valid ETA or eVisa before boarding, with full enforcement in effect since 25 February 2026.
Is OnlineVisaFiling.com affiliated with the UK government?
No. OnlineVisaFiling.com is operated by Visa Solutions, a private company that is not affiliated with the UK Home Office, UK Visas and Immigration, or any government agency. We provide a paid preparation, review, and filing service. The same application can be made directly through the official GOV.UK channel for the authorisation fee alone.
How much does it cost to apply through OnlineVisaFiling.com?
The service fee is $99.95 per applicant. It includes the mandatory UK government authorisation fee of 20 GBP and covers guided form completion, review of your answers and documents, submission to UK Visas and Immigration, and support until a decision is issued. Optional add-ons, such as Buyer Protection, are shown at checkout.
Can I apply somewhere else instead?
Yes. The UK ETA can also be obtained directly from the UK authorities for the 20 GBP authorisation fee alone. Our service is optional and is intended for travellers who prefer guided assistance, document review, and support throughout the process.
How long does the UK ETA application take to process?
Most applications receive a decision quickly, often within minutes to a day of being submitted to UK Visas and Immigration. UKVI advises allowing up to 3 working days for a decision, so we recommend applying at least 72 hours before your planned departure.
Does each traveller require an individual ETA?
Yes. The UK ETA is linked to an individual passport. Every traveller, including infants and children, must hold their own approved ETA before boarding transport to the United Kingdom.
Can I apply for my children or other family members?
Yes. You can prepare and submit applications for family members from a single account. Each person still requires their own application, their own photo, and their own passport details.
What do I need before I start an application?
You need a valid passport from an eligible country, a recent digital photo of the applicant, contact details, and answers to a short set of eligibility questions from UK Visas and Immigration. The guided form explains the requirements at each step.
What happens if my application is not approved?
There are two outcomes. If the application is rejected because something in it needs correcting (for example a photo), you can fix the identified items and appeal at no extra cost, and the application is processed again. If the application is refused, the decision is final: a new ETA application cannot be filed for that traveler, and they may need to apply for a standard UK visitor visa instead. The decision rests with UK Visas and Immigration based on the information provided.
What can I do if my application is rejected?
A rejection means something in the application needs correcting, most often the photo or a document. We identify the flagged items for you, you correct them, and the application is appealed at no additional cost and processed again by UK Visas and Immigration.
What does a refusal mean?
A refusal is a final decision by UK Visas and Immigration, and there is no appeal route for ETA decisions. A new ETA application cannot be filed for the same traveller. Depending on your circumstances, applying for a Standard Visitor visa may be an alternative way to travel.
Will I get a refund if my application is refused?
If you purchased the optional Buyer Protection add-on at checkout and your application is refused, the service fee is refunded. The UK government authorisation fee is non-refundable in all cases. Full details are set out in our Refund Policy.
How long is a UK ETA valid?
An approved ETA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. It allows multiple trips to the United Kingdom with stays of up to six months at a time.
Is the UK ETA the same as a visa?
No. The UK ETA is a pre-travel authorisation, not a visa. Travellers requiring extended stays, paid employment, long-term study, or settlement in the UK must apply for an appropriate visa category instead.
Does an approved ETA guarantee entry into the United Kingdom?
No. An approved ETA permits you to travel to the United Kingdom but does not guarantee entry. Final admission is decided by UK Border Force officers at the port of entry.
What happens if my passport is renewed during the ETA validity period?
A UK ETA is digitally linked to the passport on which it was issued. If a passport is renewed or replaced before the ETA expires, a new ETA must be obtained using the new passport details.
Can I work or study in the UK with an ETA?
The ETA covers short visits such as tourism, visiting family and friends, business meetings, and short courses of study. It does not permit paid employment or long-term settlement; those require an appropriate UK visa.
How do I check the status of my application?
Sign in to your account dashboard to see the live status of each application. We also send email updates when your application is received, when it is submitted for processing, and when a decision is issued.
How do I contact support?
You can reach our support team at support@onlinevisafiling.com or by phone at (302) 244-7102. Typical email response time is 12 to 24 hours.