How to Check Your UK ETA Status 2026: Step-by-Step Guide

Applied for your UK ETA but not sure if it’s been approved? Wondering how to verify your Electronic Travel Authorisation before you fly? In 2026, confirming that your ETA came through is simple — but it works differently from traditional visa systems, and many travellers don’t know where to look. Here is exactly where to check.

This guide explains exactly how to look up your approval, what the different status messages mean, and what to do if it hasn’t come through in time for your trip.

Key Takeaways

• Your approval is confirmed via the UK ETA app or the UKVI online portal
• Most ETAs are granted within minutes to three working days
• There is no physical ETA document — approval is electronic and tied to your own passport
• Airlines verify your permission automatically during check-in — you don’t need to show anything
• You can also check it using the GOV.UK View and Prove service

How Does the UK ETA Work? (Status Explained)

The ETA is part of the government’s digital border strategy. Once you submit your application, the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) department processes it and updates your status electronically.

Key fact: The ETA costs £20 per application, is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, and allows unlimited visits of up to 6 months each. Citizens from 48 eligible countries must obtain an ETA before travelling (Source: GOV.UK).

Unlike a traditional visa sticker in your passport, the ETA is entirely electronic. Once approved, the authorisation is stored in the UK immigration database and tied to your specific passport number. There is no physical document to carry — and no stamp in your passport.

Airlines check your approval electronically through the UK’s Advanced Passenger Information system at check-in. UK Border Force do the same when you arrive. You never need to show a separate document or print anything.

Your ETA can have one of these statuses:

• Approved — it’s valid and you’re cleared to enter the UK
• Pending — your application is still being processed (usually takes minutes, sometimes up to 3 days)
• Refused — your ETA application was declined
• Expired — your ETA’s 2-year validity has passed

How to Check Your UK ETA Status: 3 Methods

Method 1: Check Your Email

The simplest way to confirm your approval is to look in your email inbox. When you apply, you provide an email address. The ETA service then sends you:

• A confirmation email when your application is received
• An approval email once your ETA has been granted — this is your official confirmation
• A refusal email if your application is not approved

Check both your inbox and spam/junk folder for emails from the ETA service (emails come from [email protected]). If you used a third-party service, their email address will be the sender of the notification.

Method 2: Check via the UK ETA App

The official app (available for iOS and Android) lets you view your current status directly. To check it:

1. Open the app on your smartphone
2. Select “View my ETA”
3. Enter your reference number (from your confirmation email) or scan your passport
4. Your current ETA status will be displayed

The app also allows you to view your ETA details, including the validity dates and which passport it applies to.

Method 3: Use the GOV.UK View and Prove Service

The government’s online immigration-status service lets you check and share your status. To use it:

1. Go to www.gov.uk/view-prove-immigration-status
2. Sign in with your UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) account
3. Your ETA status will be shown alongside any other UK immigration permissions you hold

This service is useful when you need to prove your UK entry permission to airlines or accommodation providers.

How Long Does UK ETA Approval Take?

The vast majority of UK ETA applications are approved within minutes. The automated processing system checks applications against multiple databases in real time. However, processing times vary:

• Immediate (within minutes): Most first-time applications with no flags
• Up to 24 hours: Applications requiring additional automated checks
• Up to 3 working days: Applications referred for manual review by Home Office staff

Still pending after three days? Contact the UKVI helpline or the service you applied through. See our full guide to UK ETA Processing Times 2026 for more detail.

What to Do if Your ETA Is Still Pending

If your ETA shows as “pending” and you need to travel soon, here are your options:

1. Wait (If Time Permits)

If your travel date is more than three days away, simply wait. Most pending applications are resolved within 72 hours (see our processing times guide for details). Continue checking your email for notifications.

2. Contact the UKVI Helpline

Has your ETA been pending for more than 72 hours? Contact UKVI directly:

• Phone: +44 (0)300 790 6268 (Monday–Friday, 09:00–17:00 UK time)
• Online: Via the UKVI contact form at gov.uk

Have your ETA reference number ready when you call or submit a query.

3. Contact Your Application Service

If you applied through a third-party ETA service (such as VisaETA), contact their customer support team. They can liaise with UKVI on your behalf and provide status updates.

4. Check Spam and Junk Folders

Many travellers miss their ETA confirmation because it landed in their spam or junk email folder. The approval email comes from a UK government address that some email providers flag as unfamiliar. Check all folders including promotions and updates tabs in Gmail. If you still cannot find the email, try searching for “ETA” or “UK travel” in your inbox.

The ETA confirmation is also stored digitally against the passport on your application. Even if you lose the email, your permit remains valid and can be verified at the border through Britain’s automated systems. Airlines can also confirm your permission through the Advance Passenger Information (API) system before you board your flight.

What the Approval Email Contains

Once approved, you are free to plan your trip. Visit Britain offers comprehensive resources for planning your UK visit, from transport to accommodation.

Once approved, the confirmation email will include:

• Your full name as it appears on your passport
• Your passport number
• The ETA reference number
• The date of issue
• The expiry date (2 years from approval or passport expiry, whichever is sooner)
• A statement confirming you are authorised to enter the country

Save this email — it is your official proof of ETA approval. While you don’t need to show it at the airport (the system checks it automatically), having it as a backup reference is useful.

If you hold more than one passport, check our guide on UK ETA and dual nationality to ensure you applied with the correct travel document.

Can Airlines See My ETA Status?

Yes. Airlines are connected to the UK’s Advanced Passenger Information (API) system, which automatically checks your status when passengers check in. If it has not been approved, the airline’s system will flag this and you will not be able to complete check-in.

This is why it’s essential to confirm your ETA has cleared before you leave for the airport. Apply at least 72 hours before travel — ideally 2–4 weeks in advance.

Checking ETA Status for a Family

If you’re travelling with family members, you’ll need to check each person’s ETA status separately, as each authorisation is tied to one individual passport. Keep all approval emails and ETA reference numbers organised for each family member.

For guidance on ETA applications for children, see our UK ETA for Children and Babies Guide.

ETA Status Checker: Quick Reference Table

Status	Meaning	Action Required
Approved	ETA granted — travel authorised	None — keep approval email
Pending	Application still being processed	Wait up to 3 working days
Refused	ETA application declined	Reapply or apply for visa
Expired	ETA validity has lapsed	Apply for a new ETA before travel

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to print my UK ETA approval?

No. The ETA is entirely electronic and remains attached to the passport number you applied with. You do not need to print or carry any document. Airlines and border officers check your permission digitally. However, keeping the approval email on your phone as a backup reference is a good idea.

Can I check my UK ETA status without the app?

Yes. You can check via the confirmation email you received, through the government’s online status checker, or by phoning the UKVI helpline. The app itself offers the most convenient real-time check but isn’t essential.

My ETA email went to spam — is it still valid?

Yes. If your ETA approval email ended up in your spam or junk folder, your permit is still valid — the system stores the approval electronically regardless of whether you read the email. Check the app or GOV.UK’s status page to confirm where things stand.

How do I check someone else’s UK ETA status?

You can only check ETA status using the passport number and reference number associated with the application. Parents can check their children’s ETA status using the child’s passport details. Third parties cannot access someone else’s ETA status without those specific details.

What if I applied but never received a confirmation email?

First, check your spam/junk folder thoroughly. If you still can’t find it, check whether you entered your email address correctly during the application. Contact UKVI’s contact centre or your application service with your full name and passport number to locate your application status.

Official Sources & References

1. UK Government — Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
2. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)
3. UK Government — View and Prove Your Immigration Status
4. Visit Britain — Plan Your Trip to the UK
5. UK Government — Contact UKVI

Tips for a Smooth ETA Experience

To avoid any last-minute stress with your ETA application, follow these practical recommendations:

• Apply early — Submit your ETA application at least one week before your departure date, even though most applications are processed within 72 hours. Peak travel seasons may cause minor delays.
• Use the official channels — Always apply through the official GOV.UK ETA page or the official app. Beware of unofficial third-party websites charging inflated fees.
• Double-check your passport details — Ensure the passport number, name spelling, and date of birth exactly match your physical passport. Even a small typo can cause delays or rejection.
• Keep your confirmation accessible — Save a screenshot of your approval email and keep it accessible on your phone. While border agents check your status electronically, having a backup is always wise.
• Know the validity period — A UK ETA stays valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You can make multiple trips during this period without reapplying.
• Check before connecting flights — If you are transiting through the UK on your way to another destination, you may still need a UK ETA depending on whether you pass through UK border control. Always verify your transit requirements before booking connecting flights through London Heathrow, Gatwick, or other UK airports.

Conclusion

Confirming that your travel authorisation has come through takes only a minute or two, so you can head to the airport without second-guessing yourself. Whether you use email confirmations, the official app, or the GOV.UK online portal, you have several ways to verify your travel authorisation is in order. Remember that the UK’s digital border system ties your permission directly to your passport, so airlines and border officials can verify it electronically even if you don’t have a physical document.

Confirming your approval in 2026 is simple — check your email inbox first, then open the app or GOV.UK’s portal for real-time status. Most applications are approved within minutes, and the authorisation is automatically verified by airlines and UK Border Force without any action from you.

Key reminders:

• Check email (including spam) for your approval notification
• Use the app or GOV.UK’s portal for direct status checks
• Allow at least 72 hours before travel — a fortnight ahead is safer during peak season
• Contact UKVI if it’s still pending after 72 hours

Ready to apply? Visit our UK ETA application service or go directly to the official GOV.UK ETA page.