How to Apply for UK ETA Online 2026: Step-by-Step Guide

Looking for a step-by-step guide on how to apply for UK ETA online? Since 2 April 2025, all non-visa nationals must hold a valid Electronic Travel Authorisation before travelling to the United Kingdom. This article walks you through the entire UK ETA application process — from eligibility checks to approval — so you can complete your application in minutes without costly mistakes.

What Is the UK ETA?

The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital pre-travel permission required for non-visa nationals visiting the United Kingdom. Additionally, introduced as part of the UK’s modernised border security strategy, the ETA system replaced the previous arrangement where eligible travellers could arrive without any pre-authorisation.

Key fact: The UK ETA costs just £16 per application and is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first (Source: GOV.UK). As of 2025, citizens from 48 eligible countries are required to obtain an ETA before travelling to the United Kingdom.

Unlike a traditional visa, the UK ETA is linked electronically to your passport — there is no physical document, sticker, or stamp. When you check in for your flight, ferry, or train to the UK, carriers verify your ETA status automatically through your passport number.

Who Needs to Apply for UK ETA?

The UK ETA is mandatory for citizens of countries that do not require a visa for short visits to the UK. This includes nationals from 85 eligible countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, and all European Union member states.

You need a UK ETA if you are:

• A tourist visiting the UK (plan your trip at VisitBritain) for up to 6 months
• A business traveller attending meetings, conferences, or negotiations
• A transit passenger passing through a UK airport or port
• A short-term student on a course of up to 6 months
• A creative worker on a permitted engagement

If you are a UK ETA applicant from the United States or an EU citizen applying for ETA, the same process applies to all eligible nationalities.

What You Need Before You Apply

Before starting your UK ETA application online, make sure you have the following items ready:

How to Apply for UK ETA Online: Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these 7 steps to complete your UK ETA application online. Furthermore, the process typically takes under 10 minutes.

Step 1: Download the UK ETA App or Visit Gov.uk

You can apply for your UK ETA through two official channels:

• UK ETA app — Available free on the Apple App Store (iOS) and Google Play Store (Android). The app allows you to scan your passport using your phone’s NFC reader.
• Gov.uk website — Apply directly at apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation.service.gov.uk using any web browser.

The app is the recommended method as it streamlines passport scanning and photo capture.

Step 2: Scan Your Passport

If using the app, hold your phone against the biometric chip in your passport (usually located in the back cover). Moreover, the app will read your personal details automatically. If applying online, manually enter your passport details including your full name, passport number, date of birth, and nationality.

Step 3: Take or Upload Your Photo

Use the app’s camera to take a new photo, or upload an existing passport-style photograph. In addition, ensure your face is clearly visible, with a plain background and no headwear (unless worn for religious reasons). Avoid common ETA application mistakes like poor lighting or blurry images.

Step 4: Answer Security Questions

You will be asked a series of eligibility and security questions, including:

• Whether you have any criminal convictions
• Whether you have been ETA is refused entry to the UK before
• Your travel purpose (tourism, business, transit, etc.)
• Your planned dates and accommodation details

Step 5: Provide Your Contact Details

Enter a valid email address where you will receive confirmation of your application. Therefore, you may also need to provide a phone number and UK accommodation address.

Step 6: Pay the £16 Fee

The UK ETA application fee is £16 per person. As a result, payment is accepted via debit card, credit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. The fee is non-refundable regardless of the application outcome. For a detailed breakdown, see our UK ETA fees and costs guide.

Step 7: Submit and Wait for Approval

After reviewing your application, submit it. For this reason, most applications are approved within 3 working days, though some may receive a decision in just a few hours. You will receive an email notification once a decision has been made.

UK ETA Processing Times

Most UK ETA applications are processed within 3 working days (72 hours). However, processing times can vary based on several factors. In particular, for detailed information, read our complete guide on UK ETA processing times.

Processing statistic: According to the UK Home Office, the majority of UK ETA applications are processed within 3 working days, with many applicants receiving approval within just a few hours of submission (Source: GOV.UK).

What Happens After Your UK ETA Is Approved

Once your UK ETA is approved:

• You will receive a confirmation email with your ETA reference number
• The ETA is electronically linked to your passport — no printed document is needed
• Your ETA is valid for 2 years from the date of issue, or until your passport expires
• You can make multiple trips to the UK, each stay lasting up to 6 months
• Airlines and carriers will automatically verify your ETA at check-in

UK ETA Cost and Validity Summary

Official Sources & References

This guide is based on official UK government sources and verified travel documentation requirements. All information is current as of 2026.

Important: Each UK ETA allows unlimited entries to the United Kingdom for stays of up to 6 months per visit. The ETA is linked electronically to your passport and does not require a physical visa sticker (Source: GOV.UK).

1. UK Government — Apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
2. UK Government — Electronic Travel Authorisation: Guidance
3. UK Government — Check If You Need a UK Visa
4. UK Government — Visit the UK as a Standard Visitor
5. VisitBritain — Getting to Britain (Official UK Tourism)

Frequently Asked Questions

Apply for Your UK ETA Today

Applying for a UK ETA online is a quick and straightforward process that takes about 10 minutes. Specifically, with a cost of just £16 and a validity of 2 years, the ETA provides excellent value for frequent travellers to the United Kingdom. Remember to apply at least 72 hours before your planned departure, have your passport and payment ready, and double-check all details before submitting.

If you want professional assistance to ensure your application is error-free and processed smoothly, apply for your UK ETA now through our guided service. For example, our team reviews every application before submission to minimise the risk of refusal.

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Start Your UK ETA Application →

Applying for a UK ETA online is a straightforward process that takes most applicants under 10 minutes from start to finish. Similarly, the key is to have your passport, a suitable photo, and your payment card ready before you begin — starting the application without these items may mean you lose your progress if you leave the session. The official gov.uk portal saves your application automatically during the session, but browser cookies and session data may expire if you leave for too long. Always complete and submit in a single sitting where possible, and check your email — including spam folders — for the decision notification, which arrives at the email address you provide during the application.