Applying for travel permission (ETA)
This guide walks through the UK electronic travel authorisation application step by step, from downloading the app to the decision email, using the timings and the fee GOV.UK publishes.
- Section
- ETA
- Reading time
- 7 min
- Last checked
- 20 March 2026
- Source
- The published Immigration Rules and GOV.UK guidance, linked throughout this guide.
- Rowan does not
- Look at your own case, tell you which route to choose, or say what the Home Office will decide. This guide shows the published rules and where to read them.
In short
- Apply through the UK ETA app or online at GOV.UK. It costs £20.
- You need your passport and a digital photo of your face.
- GOV.UK: a decision usually arrives by email within a day, and can take up to 3 working days.
- GOV.UK says to wait until you get a decision before you travel.
You apply through the UK ETA app or online at GOV.UK: passport details, a digital photo, a set of suitability questions, and a \u00a320 fee. GOV.UK says a decision usually arrives by email within a day and can take up to 3 working days.
Before You Apply
First, check whether you need a UK ETA. If you are a British or Irish citizen, or already have a UK visa or ILR, you do not need one.
You will need:
- A valid passport from an eligible country
- A smartphone with a camera (for the app) or a computer (for online)
- A digital passport-style photograph
- A debit or credit card to pay the fee
- An email address for your confirmation
Step-by-Step Application
- Download the app or go online. The UK ETA app is available on iOS and Android. Alternatively, apply at GOV.UK.
- Scan your passport. Using the app, scan the data page of your passport. If applying online, enter your passport details manually.
- Take a photo. Take a selfie-style photograph or upload one. This must be a clear, front-facing photo similar to a passport photo.
- Answer security questions. You will be asked basic questions about your criminal history, immigration history, and travel plans.
- Pay the fee. An electronic travel authorisation costs £20. Pay by debit or credit card. GOV.UK says the fee is not refunded once the application is submitted.
- Submit. Review your application and submit it.
- Wait for the decision. GOV.UK says you will usually get a decision by email within a day, and that it can take up to 3 working days.
Processing Time
GOV.UK gives one timing for this application: a decision usually arrives by email within a day, and it can take up to 3 working days. GOV.UK does not publish a figure for how many are decided faster than that, and it says to wait until you have the decision before you travel.
If your application is refused, you will receive an email explaining why. You may need to apply for a visitor visa instead.
After Approval
Once your ETA is approved:
- The ETA is electronically linked to your passport — no need to print anything
- It is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires (whichever comes first)
- You can make multiple visits to the UK during the validity period
- Each visit can last up to 6 months
At the Airport
Airlines check your ETA before boarding. At UK border control, officials verify your ETA through their systems. You do not need to show any paper documents for the ETA itself, but you should carry your passport.
Applying for Others
You can apply for an electronic travel authorisation on behalf of someone else — for example for a child. You need their passport and a photograph of them. GOV.UK says every person travelling needs their own authorisation, including babies and children.
Common Mistakes
- Wrong passport details. Double-check all details match your passport exactly. Errors may cause delays or refusal.
- Expired passport. Your passport must be valid for your entire stay. The ETA expires when your passport expires.
- Travelling before the decision arrives. GOV.UK says to wait until you get a decision before you travel, and a decision can take up to 3 working days.
- Using the wrong service. Only use the official GOV.UK service or the official UK ETA app. Avoid third-party websites that charge higher fees.
ETA vs Visa
If you need to stay longer than 6 months, work, or study in the UK, an ETA is not sufficient. See our ETA vs visa guide to understand the differences.
Transit
Transit turns on whether you pass through UK border control. GOV.UK says you do not need an electronic travel authorisation if you are transiting through a UK airport without passing through border control — airside. If you pass through border control, including to collect and re-check baggage or to change airport, you need one. GOV.UK says to check with your airline, because not every airport and route offers an airside route. See our ETA for UK transit guide.
Next Steps
Apply through the official GOV.UK ETA service. If you have questions about entry requirements, see our visitor requirements guide.
Related guides:
Questions and answers
How do I apply for a UK ETA?
You apply through the UK ETA app or online at GOV.UK. You need your passport, a digital photo of your face, and answers to a set of suitability questions. It costs £20.
How long does it take to get a UK ETA?
GOV.UK says you will usually get a decision by email within a day, but that it can take up to 3 working days. GOV.UK says to wait until you get a decision before you travel.
Do I need to print my ETA?
No. The ETA is linked electronically to your passport. You do not need to print anything or carry a separate document. Airlines and border officials can check your ETA through their systems.
This guide is general information about published immigration rules. It is not advice about an individual application under s.82 Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, and Rowan is not regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority. Immigration rules change several times a year. For advice on a particular situation, contact an adviser authorised by the Immigration Advice Authority or an immigration solicitor. Always check GOV.UK for the authoritative current rules.