UK ETA App Download & Status Check 2026: Complete Guide

Need to download the UK ETA app or check your application status? The UK ETA app is the fastest and most convenient way to apply for your Electronic Travel Authorisation. Additionally, available on both iOS and Android, the app lets you scan your passport, take your photo, and submit your application in under 10 minutes. This guide covers everything you need to know about downloading the UK ETA app and checking your ETA status in 2026.

What Is the UK ETA App?

The UK ETA app is an official mobile application developed by the UK Home Office that allows travellers to apply for their Electronic Travel Authorisation directly from their smartphone. Furthermore, the app streamlines the application process by using your phone’s camera and NFC (Near Field Communication) reader to scan your biometric passport and capture your photo automatically.

Key fact: The UK 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).

How to Download the UK ETA App

The UK ETA app is available as a free download on both major mobile platforms. Here is how to download it on your device:

For iPhone (iOS)

1. Open the Apple App Store on your iPhone
2. Search for “UK ETA” in the search bar
3. Look for the official app published by Home Office (UK government)
4. Tap “Get” to download and install the app
5. The app requires iOS 16.0 or later and an iPhone 7 or newer (for NFC support)

For Android

1. Open the Google Play Store on your Android phone
2. Search for “UK ETA”
3. Select the official app by Home Office
4. Tap “Install” to download
5. Requires Android 9.0 or later with NFC capability

how to apply Using the UK ETA App

Once you have downloaded the UK ETA app, follow these steps to complete your application:

1. Open the app and select your nationality
2. Scan your passport — Hold your phone against the back cover of your biometric passport. The app reads the NFC chip automatically.
3. Take your photo — Use the in-app camera to capture a clear, passport-style photograph
4. Answer questions — Provide your travel purpose, criminal history declarations, and contact details
5. Pay £20 — Use a debit card, credit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay
6. Submit — Review and submit your application

For a detailed walkthrough of each step, see our complete guide on how to apply for UK ETA online.

How to Check UK ETA Status

After submitting your UK ETA application, there are three ways to check your status:

Method 1: Check via the UK ETA App

Open the UK ETA app and navigate to “My Applications”. Moreover, your current application status will be displayed. The app also sends push notifications when your status changes.

Method 2: Check via Email

You will receive an email at the address you provided during application. In addition, the email will confirm whether your ETA has been approved, ETA refusal, or requires additional information.

Method 3: Check via Gov.uk

Visit the UK (VisitBritain) government’s online service to check your ETA status using your passport details and application reference number.

UK ETA Application Status Meanings

For information on what to do if your application is refused, see our guide on what happens if your UK ETA is refused. Therefore, for details on processing times, read how long the UK ETA takes.

Common App Issues and Solutions

• NFC not scanning — Remove your phone case, hold the phone flat against the back of your passport, and keep it still for 5–10 seconds
• Photo rejected — Ensure a plain background, good lighting, no shadows, and a neutral expression. Read about UK ETA photo requirements
• Payment failed — Try a different card or payment method. Ensure your card supports international online payments
• App crashes — Update to the latest version from the App Store or Play Store. Restart your phone and try again
• Cannot find the app — Search for “UK ETA Home Office” in your app store. Ensure your device meets the minimum requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

Official Sources & References

This guide is based on official UK government sources. All information is current as of 2026.

1. UK Government — Apply for an ETA
2. UK Government — ETA Guidance
3. UK Government — Check If You Need a UK Visa
4. UK Government — Standard Visitor
5. VisitBritain — Getting to Britain

Download the UK ETA App and Apply Today

The UK ETA app is the quickest and most convenient way to apply for your Electronic Travel Authorisation. As a result, with NFC passport scanning and in-app status tracking, the entire process takes about 10 minutes. Whether you choose the app or the gov.uk website, make sure to apply at least 72 hours before your departure date.

Need professional help with your application? Apply through our guided service and our team will review your application before submission to ensure everything is correct.

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UK ETA App: Step-by-Step Walkthrough

• Open the app and select “Apply for a UK ETA”.
• Scan your passport using the phone camera — the app reads your machine-readable zone (MRZ) automatically.
• Verify passport details — confirm name, date of birth, passport number, nationality, and expiry date.
• Take your photo using the built-in face detection tool — follow the on-screen prompts for positioning.
• Answer suitability questions — answer all questions about your immigration and criminal history truthfully.
• Review and submit — check all details, pay the £20 fee, and submit the application.
• Wait for email confirmation — most applicants receive a decision within minutes.

Troubleshooting the UK ETA App

If the app fails to scan your passport MRZ, ensure the passport is flat, well-lit, and the camera is directly above the bottom lines of the data page. If the app crashes or freezes, close and reopen it — your in-progress application may be saved. If payment fails, check that your card details are correct and that your bank has not blocked the international transaction. If you receive a technical error message, try switching to the web version at gov.uk/eta on a desktop or laptop browser.

Checking Your ETA Status via the App

After submitting your application, the UK ETA app allows you to check your status at any time. For this reason, navigate to “Check my ETA” and enter your passport number to view the current status — pending, approved, or refused. Approved ETAs are stored digitally and do not need to be downloaded or printed. Airline check-in systems and UK Border Force automatically verify your ETA status by scanning your passport, making the process entirely seamless for approved travellers.

The UK ETA app is the recommended method for applying because it streamlines the passport scanning and photo capture process. In particular, it is available in multiple languages and is regularly updated by the UK Home Office to reflect any changes to ETA eligibility or requirements. If you cannot use the app due to device compatibility issues or connectivity problems, the full application is also available through the desktop website at gov.uk/eta with identical functionality. Both the app and website use the same secure government infrastructure and produce exactly the same ETA authorisation outcome.