UK ETA Refused: What to Do Next
What you need to know
- •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.
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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.
- 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 from £115 and takes several weeks to process. 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 £10 (non-refundable).
Option 3: Seek Legal Advice
Preparing a UK visa application?
Get the exact document list and step-by-step timeline — £149, paid once.
If you believe the refusal is incorrect, consider seeking advice from an OISC-registered immigration adviser 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
If your ETA is refused and you planned to transit through the UK, you will need to find an alternative route that does not involve a UK connection. Alternatively, apply for a transit visa.
Next Steps
If your ETA has been refused, consider applying for a visitor visa. For official guidance, visit GOV.UK.
Related guides:
This guide is general immigration information, not immigration advice under s.82 Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. Immigration rules change frequently. For advice on your specific situation, consult an IAA-authorised adviser or an SRA-regulated immigration solicitor. Always check GOV.UK for the authoritative current rules.
Related guides
Preparing a UK visa application?
Get the exact document list and step-by-step timeline — £149, paid once.