How to Apply for Your UK ETA Using the App

As of January 8, 2025, U.S. travelers are required to obtain a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before traveling to the United Kingdom. Each traveler needs their own ETA, including children, so please make sure everyone in your group completes the application before our trip.

An ETA currently costs £20 per person and is valid for two years, or until the passport it is linked to expires, whichever comes first. You can use the ETA for multiple trips to the UK during that period.

The UK government recommends allowing up to three working days for a decision, although many applications are approved much sooner. You must wait for the confirmation email before traveling.

The easiest way to apply is through the official UK ETA app. Here is a step-by-step guide to walk you through the process.

Step 1: Download the Official UK ETA App

Search for UK ETA in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and make sure you are downloading the official app from the UK government.

The app is currently available for:

iPhone: iPhone 7 or newer with iOS 16 or later

Android: Android 12 or later, with NFC enabled

You will also need an internet connection and permission for the app to access your phone's camera.

If your phone is not compatible with the app, you can complete the application online instead.

Step 2: Have These Things Ready

Before you begin, make sure you have:

The original passport you will use to travel to the UK
Your email address
A credit card, debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay for the £20 application fee

Do not use a photocopy or digital version of your passport. Your ETA will be electronically linked to the specific passport you use for the application.

Important: If you receive a new passport before our trip, you will need a new ETA because the ETA is linked to your passport.

Step 3: Photograph Your Passport

The app will ask you to take a photo of the photo page of your passport.

Make sure:

The entire photo page is visible
The image is clear and not blurry
You are using the same passport you will travel with

Follow the instructions on the screen to position your passport correctly.

Step 4: Scan Your Passport

The app will then ask you to scan the biometric chip in your passport.

Look for the small biometric symbol on the front of your passport.

Remove your phone case and passport cover if you are having trouble with the scan. Place your phone directly against your passport and follow the instructions on the screen.

For U.S. passport holders: If the app does not recognize the chip when you scan the front of your passport, try placing your phone against the inside of the back cover instead.

If the passport scan doesn't work, don't panic. The app can use the photograph of your passport to collect your passport details. Check everything carefully before continuing. Incorrect passport information can delay or prevent your application from being approved.

Step 5: Complete the Face Scan

The app will use your phone's camera to scan your face. This confirms that you are a real person.

Simply follow the instructions on the screen and hold your phone in front of your face until the scan is complete.

For children 10 and older, a face scan is required. Children 9 and younger do not need to complete the face scan.

Step 6: Take Your Face Photo

The app will ask you to take a photo of your face.

Follow the instructions carefully and make sure your face is clearly visible. The app will let you know if the photo does not meet the requirements, and you can retake it before submitting your application.

For the best results, use good lighting and avoid anything that obscures your face.

Step 7: Complete the Application Questions

The app will ask you for additional information, including:

Your address
Your job
Any other nationalities you hold
Information about criminal convictions, if applicable

Answer all questions accurately and carefully.

Step 8: Review Everything Carefully

Before submitting, take a moment to review all of your information.

Pay particular attention to:

Your name
Passport number
Date of birth
Passport expiration date
Nationality
Email address

Your ETA is linked to your passport, so accuracy is important.

Step 9: Pay the £20 Application Fee

The current ETA application fee is £20 per person.

You can pay using a credit card, debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay.

Once you submit and pay, your application cannot be refunded.

Step 10: Wait for Your Approval Email

You will receive an email from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) once a decision has been made.

Most decisions are made within a day, but the UK government recommends allowing up to three working days.

You will receive your 16-digit ETA reference number in the approval email.

Please email Mandy once your ETA has been approved so we can make sure everyone in our group is squared away before departure.

If you have not received a decision after three working days, check your spam or junk folder before contacting UKVI.

Step 11: You're Done!

Once approved, your ETA is electronically linked to the passport you applied with. You do not need to print anything or carry a separate ETA document with you.

When you travel, you simply need to present the same passport you used for your ETA application.

A Few Important Reminders

Every traveler needs their own ETA, including children.

Apply early. Although decisions often come quickly, allow up to three working days.

Use the passport you'll actually travel with. Your ETA is linked electronically to that passport.

Wait for approval before traveling. Do not assume your application has been approved simply because you submitted it.

Save your approval email. You shouldn't need to show it at the border, but it's always a good idea to have a copy available.

And most importantly, please don't hesitate to reach out if you run into trouble during the application process. I'm happy to help you work through it.