If travel permission (ETA) is refused
Having your UK ETA refused is unexpected for most travellers. This guide explains the common reasons for refusal, what options you have, and whether you can still visit the UK.
- Section
- ETA
- Reading time
- 7 min
- Last checked
- 2 September 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
- ETA refusal means you cannot travel to the UK on the ETA.
- Common reasons include criminal history or immigration violations.
- You can apply for a visitor visa as an alternative.
- The ETA fee is non-refundable after refusal.
If your UK ETA is refused, you cannot travel to the UK without alternative authorisation. You may be able to apply for a visitor visa instead, which allows you to provide more evidence. This guide explains your options.
Understanding ETA Refusal
The vast majority of ETA applications are approved. However, a small percentage are refused. If your ETA is refused, you will receive a notification by email explaining the general reason. You cannot travel to the UK without either an approved ETA or a visitor visa.
Common Reasons for Refusal
- Criminal convictions. Serious criminal convictions or ongoing criminal proceedings may lead to refusal. Since 30 July 2026, the ETA criminality rules also cover suspended sentences of 12 months or more.
- Previous immigration violations. If you have previously overstayed a UK visa, been deported, or breached immigration conditions.
- Incorrect information. Providing false or inaccurate information on your application.
- Security concerns. National security flags that are identified during automated checks.
- Previous visa refusal. A history of UK visa refusals may affect your ETA application. See our visa refusal impact guide.
Your Options After Refusal
Option 1: Apply for a Visitor Visa
You can apply for a standard UK visitor visa. Unlike the ETA, a visitor visa application allows you to:
- Submit supporting documents explaining your circumstances
- Provide evidence of your ties to your home country
- Explain any previous immigration issues
- Attend a visa application centre for biometrics
A visitor visa costs £135 for up to 6 months. A decision usually takes 3 weeks when you apply from outside the UK. See the visitor visa requirements and documents needed.
Option 2: Reapply for an ETA
You can submit a new ETA application. However, if the reason for refusal has not changed (for example, a criminal conviction), the new application is likely to be refused as well. Each application costs £20 (non-refundable).
Option 3: Seek Legal Advice
If you believe the refusal is incorrect, consider seeking advice from an immigration adviser registered with the Immigration Advice Authority or an immigration solicitor. They can advise on whether the refusal can be challenged and which route forward is best.
Impact on Future Applications
An ETA refusal is recorded on your immigration history. When you apply for any future UK visa, you will need to declare previous refusals. This does not automatically prevent you from getting a visa, but you will need to explain the circumstances.
See our visa refusal guide and reapplying after refusal guide for more on how refusals affect future applications.
ETA vs Visa: Which Should I Apply For?
If your ETA is refused, a visitor visa is your main alternative. See our ETA vs visa guide for a detailed comparison. The key advantage of a visa application is that you can submit evidence and explanations that are not possible with the automated ETA system.
Transit Refusal
An ETA is only needed for transit that passes through UK border control. If you stay airside — in the airport, without passing through border control — you do not need one, and a refused ETA does not block that route. Some nationalities need a Direct Airside Transit visa for it instead, which costs £41.50.
If your route does pass through border control and your ETA is refused, the alternatives are a route with no UK connection or a transit visa. A Visitor in Transit visa costs £74.50. Both transit visa fees can change slightly depending on the country you apply from. See our ETA and transit guide.
Next Steps
If your ETA has been refused, a visitor visa is the other route to a UK visit. For official guidance, visit GOV.UK.
Related guides:
Questions and answers
Why was my UK ETA refused?
Common reasons include criminal convictions, previous immigration violations, providing incorrect information, or security concerns. The refusal notification will include a general explanation of the reason.
Can I reapply for an ETA after refusal?
You can submit a new application, but if the circumstances that led to refusal have not changed, it is likely to be refused again. You may wish to apply for a visitor visa instead, which allows you to provide supporting documents.
Can I apply for a visitor visa instead of an ETA?
Yes. If your ETA is refused, you can apply for a standard UK visitor visa. The visa application allows you to submit supporting documents and explain your circumstances, which an ETA application does not.
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.