If you are flying to the UK for a holiday, a work trip, or even just a layover, there is one thing you should sort out before you book the taxi to the airport: your UK ETA. Airlines check for it at check-in. No ETA, no boarding pass. It is that simple.
The good news is that the application is short and the rules are clear once someone explains them in plain words. This guide walks you through what you need, how the process works, what it costs, and how long it takes. I have also added the mistakes I see people make most often, so you can skip them.
What Is a UK ETA?
A UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is a digital permission to travel to the United Kingdom. It is not a visa. There is no sticker or stamp. It is linked to your passport electronically, so when you check in, the airline can see it in their system.
It is made for visitors who do not need a full visa for short stays. Once approved, it is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. During that time you can enter the UK as many times as you want, and each stay can last up to six months.
You can use one ETA for many purposes. If you want to see how each travel purpose works, check our page on UK ETA types. For example:
You only need one ETA even if your trip mixes a few of these. A business trip with a weekend of sightseeing is fine.
Who Needs a UK ETA?
You need one if you hold a passport from a country that can visit the UK without a visa, and you are coming for a short stay. That includes tourists, business visitors, people visiting relatives, short-course students, medical visitors, people coming for a wedding, and travelers changing planes in the UK.
Two things surprise people:
- Children need one too. Babies included. Every traveler needs their own ETA, and a parent can apply for a child.
- Transit can count. If you pass through UK border control on the way to another country, you need an ETA. If you stay airside and never go through border control, you may not. When in doubt, check before you fly, because being turned away at the gate ruins a trip fast.
You do not need an ETA if you already have a UK visa or another form of UK immigration status. And an ETA is not right if you plan to live, work for a UK employer, or study long term in the UK. Those cases need a proper visa.
UK ETA Requirements: What You Need Before You Start
Get these ready first and the whole thing takes about ten minutes.
1. A valid passport from an eligible country Use the exact passport you will travel with. Most travelers need a biometric passport, which has the small chip symbol on the cover. Your passport should also have enough validity left for your trip. If you want the full two years out of your ETA, apply with a passport that has at least two years left.
2. A clear photo of yourself A recent, plain photo of your face. Stand in front of a plain background, in good light, with nothing covering your face. No heavy filters, no sunglasses, no other people in the shot.
3. A clear photo of your passport details page All four corners should be visible. Avoid glare, shadows, and blur. This one photo causes more delays than anything else, so take your time with it.
4. A working email address Your approval and reference number go here. Use an inbox you actually check, and double check the spelling.
5. A way to pay A credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay works for most people.
6. Honest answers to a few background questions You will be asked about things like past immigration problems or criminal convictions. Answer truthfully. A wrong answer here can hurt you far more than a difficult but honest one.
How to Apply for a UK ETA: Step by Step
Here is how the process goes from start to finish.
Step 1: Check that you are eligible. Confirm your nationality and your travel purpose fit the ETA rules. If you are unsure, our UK ETA FAQ section and our support team can help before you pay anything.
Step 2: Choose your processing speed. Pick regular or urgent, depending on how soon you fly (more on this in the next section).
Step 3: Fill in your details. Enter your name, date of birth, passport number, contact details, and the answers to the background questions. Type your name exactly as it appears in your passport. Not a nickname, not a shorter version.
Step 4: Upload your photos. Add your face photo and your passport photo. Check each one on your screen before you submit.
Step 5: Review everything. Read your application line by line. One swapped digit in a passport number can make the ETA useless. This takes two minutes and saves you a lot of stress.
Step 6: Pay. Pay securely online and keep your payment receipt.
Step 7: Wait for your email. Once a decision is made, you will get an email with your result. If approved, you get a reference number. There is nothing to print, although saving the email on your phone is a smart backup.
Ready to start? You can apply now here and finish in a few minutes.
UK ETA Cost
With Apply UK ETA, the fee depends on how fast you need your approval:
| Option | Price | Delivery |
|---|---|---|
| Regular UK ETA | $36 USD | Within 3 working days |
| Urgent UK ETA | $67 USD | Within 12 working hours |
A few things worth knowing about these prices:
- The fee is per person. A family of four means four applications.
- A 4.40% transaction charge applies at payment.
- The price is the same no matter which travel purpose you pick.
Which one should you pick? If your flight is more than a week away, go with regular. It is the sensible choice for most people. Urgent makes sense when you left it late, a work trip popped up, or you are simply nervous about cutting it close. Paying more for peace of mind is not silly when a non-refundable flight is on the line.
Keep in mind that one ETA lasts two years, so the cost per trip drops quickly if you travel to the UK more than once.
UK ETA Processing Time
Here is what to expect:
- Regular: within 3 working days
- Urgent: within 12 working hours
Our team works Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 6:00pm (5 days a week). This matters more than people realize. Working days do not include weekends, and working hours only count inside that window.
Here is a real world example. Say you apply on Friday at 5:30pm with the urgent option. You will not get your result Saturday morning. The clock effectively picks up on Monday. If your flight is Sunday, that is a problem.
So plan like this:
- Apply early in the week when you can.
- Do not apply on a Friday evening if you fly on the weekend.
- Add a buffer. Even though many applications are decided quickly, some take the full time, and a few need extra checks.
A simple rule I like: apply at least a week before your flight, and never book non-refundable travel before you have an approved ETA in hand if you have any history that might trigger extra questions.
Regular vs Urgent: A Quick Comparison
| Regular | Urgent | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Planned trips | Last-minute travel |
| Cost | $36 | $67 |
| Speed | 3 working days | 12 working hours |
| Stress level | Low if you apply early | Low even when you are late |
Common Mistakes That Cause Delays (And How to Avoid Them)
After looking at how these applications go wrong, the same problems show up again and again.
1. Typing the passport number wrong. Letters like O and 0, or I and 1, get mixed up all the time. Read the number from the passport, not from memory.
2. Blurry or glare-covered passport photos. If any text is hard to read, retake it. Lay the passport flat on a plain surface near a window, no flash.
3. Names that do not match. Use the name exactly as printed. Missing middle names, extra spaces, or spelling changes can create a mismatch at the airport.
4. Applying with the wrong passport. If you hold two passports, apply with the one you will actually travel on. An ETA is tied to one passport only.
5. Waiting until the last day. The most common reason people pay for urgent processing is that they forgot. It works, but it is money you did not need to spend.
6. Getting a new passport and forgetting the ETA. If your passport changes, gets replaced, or is lost, your old ETA no longer helps you. You will need a new one linked to the new passport.
7. Answering background questions carelessly. If something in your history could be a problem, do not guess. Read the question again, answer honestly, and if you are unsure, ask before you submit.
8. Assuming the ETA lets you work. It does not allow employment with a UK company. Business meetings, conferences, and similar visits are fine. A job is not.
Useful Tips From Real Trips
- Save your approval email and your reference number in two places, such as your email and your notes app.
- Send a screenshot to a family member when you travel. If your phone dies, someone else has the details.
- Apply for kids at the same time as the adults. It is easy to forget them, and airlines will not.
- Check your passport expiry date before you book flights. If it runs out in ten months, your two year ETA will also end in ten months.
- Do not wait for the airport to find out something is wrong. Your airline checks your ETA before you board, not after you land.
- Group trips: Have each person prepare their own passport photo and details in advance. It turns a stressful hour into a smooth ten minutes each.
What If Something Goes Wrong?
Mistakes happen. Here is what to do:
- You spotted an error right after submitting. Contact support immediately. Corrections are far easier before a decision is made.
- You want to know where your application stands. Use our visa status check page to see the latest update.
- You are wondering about money. Read our refund and cancellation policy so you know your options before you pay.
- You have a question we did not cover. Email us at contact@applyuketa.com and we will point you in the right direction.
Is the UK ETA Worth It?
For most people, yes. It is quick, it is done on your phone or laptop, and it covers you for two years. Compare that with the time and paperwork of a full visa and it is easy to see why the ETA is the better fit for short stays.
The real cost of skipping it or doing it wrong is a missed flight. That is far more expensive than the application.
Ready to Apply?
If you have your passport, a clear photo, and a few minutes, you can finish your UK ETA application today.
- Regular UK ETA: $36, approved within 3 working days
- Urgent UK ETA: $67, approved within 12 working hours
Start your UK ETA application now and get one step closer to your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a UK ETA last?
Two years, or until your passport expires, whichever is sooner. You can make multiple trips in that time.
How long can I stay in the UK with an ETA?
Up to six months per visit.
Do I need a separate ETA for each trip?
No. One approved ETA covers all your trips within its validity.
Can I apply for my child?
Yes. Every traveler needs an ETA, and a parent or guardian can apply for a child.
Can I extend or renew an ETA?
No. When it expires, you apply for a new one.
Do I need to print my ETA?
No. It is linked to your passport digitally. Saving the confirmation email is still a good idea.
What if I need to travel tomorrow?
Choose the urgent option, which returns a result within 12 working hours. Just remember that working hours run Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 6:00pm.
Can I use an ETA to work in the UK?
Not for a UK employer. Business meetings, conferences, and short academic visits are allowed. Employment needs a visa.
What if my passport changes?
You will need to apply for a new ETA linked to your new passport.
Is one ETA enough if I travel for both tourism and business?
Yes. One ETA covers all permitted purposes.
