Quick answer
You apply for a UK ETA in the UK ETA app or on GOV.UK. You need your passport, an email address, a payment card and a photo of your face; the fee is £20. Most people get a decision by email within a day, but allow up to 3 working days before you travel.
Before you start
- the passport you will travel with (not an identity card)
- an email address you can check
- a credit or debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay
- in the app: a phone with a camera to scan your passport and your face
- online: a photo of the passport and a photo of your face that follows the rules for digital photos
Step by step
- Choose the app or the website
The UK ETA app is on Google Play and the App Store. If you cannot use the app, apply on GOV.UK. The fee and the result are the same. - Scan or photograph your passport
The details are read from the photo page. Check that the passport number, name and expiry date match exactly. - Take a photo of your face
The photo must follow the official rules for digital photos of faces. A photo that does not meet them can delay or reject the application. - Answer the questions
Answer every question about yourself truthfully and check your answers: once sent, the application cannot be changed. - Pay £20
The fee is not refunded after you apply, whatever the outcome. - Wait for the email
It contains a 16-digit ETA reference number. Do not travel until the email confirms that you have an ETA.
Applying for someone else
You can apply for family or friends. In the app this only works if the person is with you, because the app scans their passport and face. If they are somewhere else, apply for them online with a photo of their passport and a photo of their face. Decisions can arrive at different times for each person.
After you apply
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| No email after 3 working days | Check your spam folder, then contact UK Visas and Immigration through the webchat on GOV.UK. They do not handle ETA questions by phone. |
| You made a mistake | An application cannot be changed or withdrawn. If a detail is wrong, you have to apply and pay again. |
| You get a new passport | Your ETA no longer works. Apply again with the new passport. |
| You want to check your ETA | Use the check service on GOV.UK to see whether you have an ETA and when it expires. |
GOV.UK states that you cannot get a faster decision by applying through another website or app. There is no official express service.
Questions
How long does the application take to fill in?
The app reads most details from your passport, so there is little to type. The official guidance does not state a time. Have your passport and payment card to hand before you start.
When should I apply?
At least 3 working days before you travel. You can apply well ahead: the ETA lasts 2 years.
Do I need to print anything?
No. The ETA is linked electronically to your passport. Keeping the confirmation email is sensible, but you only show your passport.
Sources
Checked on 10 November 2026. Rules can change; the official pages below always take priority.