Step
1: Visit the Official UK ETA Website
Go to the official UK government ETA portal or download the UK ETA mobile app recommended for
faster processing. Avoid third-party
websites that charge extra fees.
Step
2: Create or Start Your Application
- Choose “Apply
for an ETA”
- Confirm your nationality
- Enter your email
address
- Verify email using the OTP sent to you
Step
3: Enter Personal Details
- Full name (exactly as in passport)
- Date of birth
- Nationality
- Gender
- Contact details
Any mismatch with your passport may
lead to rejection.
Step 4: Passport Details
- Upload or scan your passport photo page
- Enter passport number
- Expiry date
- Country of issue
The ETA will be electronically linked to this
passport.
Step 5: Upload Your Photo
- Take a live photo or upload a recent one
- Plain background
- No hats, glasses, or filters
- Clear facial visibility
Step
6: Answer Security & Background Questions
You will be asked:
- Criminal history (if any)
- Immigration violations
- Terrorism or extremist activity (standard screening)
Answer honestly, false information can result in a ban.
Step
7: Pay the ETA Fee
- Fee: £16
- Pay using:
- You’ll receive a payment confirmation
Step
8: Submit Application
- Review all details carefully
- Submit your application
- You’ll receive an email confirmation
Processing
Time
- Most approvals: within
minutes to a few hours
- Some cases: up
to 72 hours or more
- Decision sent by email
ETA
Validity
- Valid for 2
years OR until passport expires (whichever comes first)
- Allows multiple
entries
- Maximum stay per visit: up to 6 months
At
the Airport / Border
- Airlines will check
ETA before boarding
- No printed document required
- Border officers make the final entry decision
- No ETA = No Boarding
Transit
Passengers
You need an ETA if you:
- Leave the airport
- Re-check baggage
- Pass UK border control
You may NOT need an ETA if:
- You remain airside
only
- Your transit airport allows airside connections
Always confirm with your airline.
Common
Mistakes to Avoid
- Using a different
passport to travel
- Spelling errors in name or passport number
- Applying at the last
minute
- Using unofficial websites
The UK ETA is similar to the US ESTA or Canada ETA,
simple but mandatory. Apply early, double-check details, and keep the same
passport for travel.
