Application
How to apply for a UK ETA: the application step by step
· GOV.UK, Home Office
Since 2 April 2025, travellers from most European countries need an electronic travel authorisation, the UK ETA, to visit the United Kingdom. The government application is simple, costs £20 on gov.uk and takes only a few minutes. Here is what to prepare and what to watch out for.
What to have ready for your application
According to GOV.UK, you need the passport you will travel with, an email address and a means of payment accepted by GOV.UK, such as Apple Pay or Google Pay. You also have to upload or take a photo of your face; it must meet the rules for digital photos, otherwise your application may be delayed or refused.
- a valid passport (the ETA is linked to exactly this passport)
- an email address to which the decision will be sent
- a photo of your face that meets the gov.uk photo rules
- a means of payment (e.g. Apple Pay or Google Pay) for the official fee of £20
- answers to the questions on suitability and criminal convictions
Two government routes: app or online form
You can apply for the UK ETA using the “UK ETA” app (Google Play, App Store) or the online form on gov.uk. In the app, you scan your passport and face with your phone camera. The Home Office calls the app the easiest way; according to its factsheet, many app applications receive an automated decision within minutes.
With the online form, you upload a photo of your passport’s data page and a photo of your face. You can also apply for other people: in the app if the person is with you, otherwise online with photos of their passport and face.
After applying: decision and passport
You usually get a decision by email within one day; it can take up to three working days. The email contains your 16-digit ETA reference number. Wait for confirmation before you travel. You must travel with the same passport you used in your application; at the border you only need to show that passport.
If any details are wrong or change, gov.uk says you must apply again – and the official fee is not refunded once you have applied. So check your name, date of birth and passport number carefully before submitting. What the ETA costs is explained in our guide UK ETA cost.
If you would rather be guided through the questions and have your details checked before submission, you can use our application assistance – with a clearly stated service fee and a refund promise if your application is finally refused (including the official fee). In every case, only the Home Office makes the decision.
Frequently asked questions
- Where do I apply for the UK ETA directly with the government?
- Using the UK ETA app or the online form at gov.uk/eta/apply. The application costs £20 there.
- How long does a decision take?
- According to gov.uk usually within one day, in some cases up to three working days. The Home Office recommends applying at least three working days before you travel.
- Can I apply for an ETA for someone else?
- Yes. gov.uk allows applications for other people – in the app if the person is with you, otherwise online with photos of their passport and face.
- Do I get the official fee back if I made a typo?
- No. According to gov.uk there is no refund once you have applied; if details are wrong or change, you need to apply again.
Sources and date
Checked on 4 October 2026. Rules and fees may change; the current publication on gov.uk is authoritative. This article is general information, not legal or immigration advice.
Next steps
Prepare your application, compare prices or keep reading – in every case the Home Office makes the decision.