Decision guide
Apply for the UK ETA yourself or use application assistance? How to spot trustworthy offers
· GOV.UK, Home Office
You can apply for the UK ETA yourself directly with the Home Office. Even so, there are providers who help with the form for an extra charge. That can be legitimate – if it is done transparently. Here is a guide to help you decide.
The direct route: gov.uk or the UK ETA app
The official fee is £20. You apply via the UK ETA app or the online form on gov.uk. Gov.uk points out that other websites may charge more, that you should avoid websites imitating government services, and that you will not get a faster decision through other websites.
When application assistance can make sense
- You want the questions explained in your language and someone to check your details for completeness before submission.
- You are applying for several people or children and want to keep track.
- You are unsure about the smartphone scan or the photo rules.
In that case application assistance is a paid service. Applying yourself on gov.uk remains the cheapest route (only the official fee). Check beforehand exactly what is included: manual review, support, refund rules in case of refusal.
Checklist: how to recognise a transparent offer
- Total price on the first page – broken down into official fee, service fee and total.
- A complete legal notice with a postal address, plus a privacy policy.
- No promises of approval and no scaremongering.
- Clear refund rules in case of refusal – also for the official fee, not just the service fee.
- No government look: no coats of arms, no government colours, no domain that looks like an authority.
- Clear information on the right of withdrawal and an order button that makes the obligation to pay unmistakable.
How we work: see Prices and Process. The decision on the ETA is always made by the Home Office – never by us. If you have already fallen for a dubious website, keep all receipts, demand a refund and inform your bank.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a service provider for the UK ETA?
- No. You can apply yourself via gov.uk or the app, where it costs £20.
- Can a service provider speed up the decision?
- Not according to gov.uk: other websites do not get you a faster decision.
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.