UK ETAElectronic Travel Authorisation
for the United Kingdom

How to Apply for a UK ETA

Last reviewed:

This guide describes the UK ETA application process, from gathering your documents to receiving the decision by email.

Start ETA Application

The application in four steps

1

Gather your documents

Have your valid passport, a recent digital photo, and a working email address ready. Applying for several people? Collect each traveller's passport and photo before you begin.

2

Complete the application

Enter your passport and personal details and answer the standard UK Visas and Immigration eligibility questions. Guidance is provided for each field.

3

Review and submit

Our team checks your information, passport scan, and photo against UKVI standards for completeness and common errors, then submits your application on your behalf.

4

Receive your decision

Your decision is delivered by email and the approved ETA is linked electronically to your passport. Most applications are processed within a few business days.

What you will need

Before you start, make sure you have the following ready for each traveller:

  • A valid passport from an eligible country
  • A recent digital photo meeting biometric standards
  • Personal and contact details
  • A working email address for your decision
  • A valid payment method

See the full passport requirements, photo requirements, and eligibility questions before you begin.

Tips for a smooth application

  • Apply well before your travel date. While many decisions arrive quickly, you should allow time in case extra checks are needed.
  • Use the passport you will actually travel with. The ETA is linked to one specific passport.
  • Double-check your name and passport number match your passport exactly.
  • Make sure your photo meets the standards before you upload it.
  • Each traveller needs their own ETA, so prepare a separate application for every passport.

What happens after you submit

1

Review

Our team checks the application for completeness and consistency: passport details against the scan, the photo against UKVI biometric standards, and the eligibility answers for anything that commonly causes a rejection.

2

Filing

The application is submitted to UK Visas and Immigration. From this point the decision rests with UKVI; no service can influence or accelerate it.

3

Decision

The decision arrives by email, and your dashboard is updated at each stage. Most decisions are issued within a day; UKVI advises allowing up to 3 working days.

Timing your application

Apply at least 72 hours before departure. Although most decisions arrive quickly, UKVI advises allowing up to 3 working days, and carriers must confirm a valid ETA or eVisa before boarding. An ETA obtained well ahead of travel remains valid for two years or until the passport expires, so there is no disadvantage in applying early.

If a decision identifies something to correct, the corrections process lets you fix the flagged items and appeal at no additional cost, but that adds time, which is another reason not to apply at the last minute.

Start your UK ETA application

Your application is reviewed for completeness before it is filed with UK Visas and Immigration.