UK ETA Application Cost: How Much Does It Cost to Apply?

If you are planning a trip to the UK, one of the first things you probably want to know is simple. How much will the UK ETA application cost me?

The honest answer is that it depends on how fast you need your approval. At Apply UK ETA, we offer three plans, and the main difference between them is speed. In this guide, we will walk through each plan, who it suits, and how to avoid paying more than you need to.

What You Are Paying For When You Apply With Apply UK ETA

When you apply through us, you are paying for a service that handles your application from start to finish. We check your details before submission, make sure nothing is missing, and send your approval to your email once it is ready.

Most delays and rejections come from small mistakes, like a typo in a passport number or a photo that does not meet the rules. Having someone review the form before it goes in saves a lot of stress, especially if your flight is close.

You can start your application any time on our portal: https://application.applyuketa.com/

The Three Plans at a Glance

Here is how our plans compare.

A transaction charge of 4.40% applies to each plan at checkout. So you know the full amount before you pay, you will see the final total on the payment page.

Regular UK ETA: £30

This is our standard plan, and it is the one most travelers choose.

Delivery: within 24 hours. Working hours: 9:00am to 6:00pm, Monday to Friday.

Best for: people who plan ahead. If your trip is a few weeks away or more, this plan gives you plenty of time and costs the least.

One thing to watch: because this plan runs on weekday office hours, an application sent on a Friday evening or over the weekend will usually be picked up on Monday. If you apply late on Friday and fly on Sunday, that is cutting it close. In that case, the Urgent plan is a safer choice.

Urgent UK ETA: £59

Delivery: within 6 hours. Working hours: 24/7, Monday to Sunday.

Best for: travelers who left things a bit late. Maybe your trip is in two or three days, or you applied on a weekend and want it sorted quickly.

A good example is a traveler who books a last minute family visit and realizes on Saturday morning that they have no ETA. The Regular plan would wait until Monday. The Urgent plan gets it done the same day.

Instant UK ETA: £99

Delivery: within 15 minutes. Working hours: 24/7, Monday to Sunday.

Best for: emergencies. Think of someone at the airport who just found out they need an ETA, or a business traveler who got a meeting invitation for tomorrow morning.

This is the most expensive plan, and most people do not need it. But if you are in a real rush, the extra cost can be far cheaper than rebooking a flight.

Which Plan Should You Pick?

Use this quick guide.

• Flying in 7 days or more: Regular is enough.
• Flying in 2 to 6 days: Urgent is the safe middle ground.
• Flying in under 24 hours, or already at the airport: Instant.
• Applying on a weekend: Go with Urgent or Instant, since Regular does not run on Saturday or Sunday.

A simple rule we give customers is this. Count back from your flight time, and leave at least a full day of buffer if you can. A buffer matters more than the plan price.

Is the Cost Per Person?

Yes. Every traveler needs their own application, including children. If you are a family of four, you will apply four times, so budget for each person. It helps to choose the same plan for everyone so the whole family gets their approvals around the same time.

Common Mistakes That Can Cost You More

We see the same errors again and again. Here are the ones to avoid.

1. Waiting too long and paying for a faster plan. Many people choose Instant because they left everything to the last day. Applying a week earlier would have cost them £69 less than the Instant plan.

2. Entering passport details wrong. One wrong letter or number can cause problems later. Copy the details straight from the photo page of your passport and check them twice.

3. Using a passport that is about to expire. Your ETA is linked to the passport you use on the form. If you renew your passport later, you will need a new ETA. Check your passport dates before you apply.

4. Applying on Friday evening with the Regular plan. As mentioned above, weekend timing catches people out. Pick a plan that fits the day you are applying.

5. Not checking your email, including spam. Your approval is sent by email. Save our address to your contacts and look in your junk folder if you do not see it.

6. Applying for the wrong travel purpose. Your reason for travel matters. You can read about the different travel purposes on our UK ETA types page, such as tourism or visiting family and friends or work, academic visits or business.

Tips to Get the Best Value

• Apply early. The cheapest plan works for most people if they start a week or two ahead.
• Get everything ready first. Have your passport, email address, and travel details on hand before you begin. Our guide on the information needed for the UK ETA application form walks you through the list.
• Take a clear photo. A blurry or dark photo can slow things down and push you into a faster, pricier plan.
• Check eligibility first. Make sure you are eligible before paying. You can check this on our UK ETA eligibility page.
• Read the basic requirements. Our requirements page covers what you need in one place.

What Happens After You Pay?

The steps are simple.

1. Choose your plan and fill in your details.
2. Our team reviews your application for errors.
3. Your application is submitted.
4. You receive your approval by email within the time of your plan.

If you want a step by step view, read our guide on applying for a UK ETA online in 3 simple steps. If you want to avoid errors, our article on how to apply for a UK ETA online without mistakes is a good next read.

For more detail on timing and what you need, see our page on processing time and fees and the full breakdown in UK ETA application requirements, cost and processing time.

What About Refunds and Cancellations?

Plans change, and we understand that. Our refund and cancellation policy explains what applies in your case, so it is worth a quick read before you pay.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to apply for a UK ETA with Apply UK ETA?

Our plans start at £30 for the Regular plan, £59 for Urgent, and £99 for Instant. A 4.40% transaction charge applies at checkout.

What is the difference between the three plans?

Only the speed and support hours. Regular arrives within 24 hours on weekdays. Urgent arrives within 6 hours, any day. Instant arrives within 15 minutes, any day.

Can I upgrade my plan after I apply?

If you realize you need your approval sooner, contact our team as quickly as possible and we will tell you what can be done. You can reach us through our contact page.

Do children need their own application?

Yes. Each traveler needs one, so you pay per person.

Which plan do most travelers choose?

Most people go with the Regular plan because they apply a week or more before their trip.

Where can I find answers to other questions?

Our FAQ page covers the most common ones.

Ready to Apply?

Pick the plan that matches your travel date, get your passport ready, and start your application today. It only takes a few minutes, and our team is here if you get stuck.

Start your UK ETA application here