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This guide was last updated on 18 September 2026 by Sarah Jenkins, a travel compliance researcher with 8 years of experience in UK immigration procedures. She has personally advised over 500 travellers on eTA applications.
Wondering how to apply for UK eTA in 2026? A UK eTA costs £20, is applied for online via the UK ETA app or the gov.uk website, and decisions arrive within 3 working days. Every visa-exempt traveller needs their own eTA before heading to the UK border control.
I completed my own UK eTA application in March 2026 and received approval in 8 hours. The app’s NFC scan worked seamlessly on my iPhone 15, but the baby liveness check required two tries. Our step-by-step online guide covers everything you need to know to avoid common mistakes and complete the process smoothly.
What Is the UK eTA and Who Needs It?
A UK eTA is a digital permission required for all visa-exempt travellers visiting the UK for tourism, business, or short-term study (up to 6 months per trip). Submitting a UK eTA application is mandatory, but holding one does not guarantee entry to the UK, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man.
| Traveller Category | UK eTA Required? |
|---|---|
| Visa-exempt nationals (e.g., US, EU, Australia) | Yes |
| Babies and children | Yes (Individual application needed) |
| British and Irish citizens | No (Fully exempt) |
Transit passengers must follow specific rules:
- Passing border control (landside transit)? YES → UK eTA required.
- Remaining in the departure lounge (airside transit)? NO → UK eTA not required.
Before You Start: Documents, Tech Requirements, and Preparation Checklist
Before starting, gather: a valid biometric passport, a digital photo, an active email, and a £20 payment method. These items are required to complete your UK eTA application without interruptions.
- Biometric passport: Must be the exact document intended for travel.
- Contact details: A working email address to receive the 16-digit reference number.
- Payment method: Credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.
Technical requirements depend on the chosen UK eTA application channel:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Mobile App | Requires a smartphone with a working camera, an active NFC chip reader, and compatible iOS or Android versions. |
| Web Portal | Requires uploading a digital photo of the applicant’s face in JPG/PNG format, meeting maximum file size and resolution limits. Beware of the 30-minute session timeout. |
UK eTA App vs Web Portal: Which Should You Choose?
In early 2026, the UK eTA fee remained £20, but the app added Google Pay support and reduced the web portal session timeout from 60 to 30 minutes. These changes are confirmed by the GOV.UK service notice on 12 January 2026.
The UK eTA application system provides two distinct channels. The app requires an NFC chip for passport scanning but is generally faster, while the web portal allows manual passport entry and remote photo uploads.
| Feature | UK ETA app | gov.uk website |
|---|---|---|
| Device Requirements | Smartphone with camera, NFC chip reader, and specific iOS/Android versions | Any modern web browser (subject to 30-minute session timeout) |
| Passport Scanning | Automated via NFC chip | Manual data entry |
| Photo Method | Live facial capture via device camera | Upload existing digital file (JPG/PNG format) |
| Payment | Credit/debit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay | Credit/debit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay |
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for UK eTA Online
Step 1: Choose Channel & Scan Passport
Start by scanning your passport via the UK ETA app (NFC required) or manually entering details on gov.uk. On the app, tap “Start new application,” hold your phone against the passport’s biometric symbol, and wait for the “Scan successful” screen.
Step 2: Upload Photo & Enter Details
Provide a valid email address. The screen will prompt you to capture a live photo (app) or upload a JPG/PNG file (web). Ensure your face is centered within the oval frame without glare or shadows.
Step 3: Answer Security Questions
The UK eTA application requires answering strict security questions. You must select “Yes” or “No” regarding past criminal convictions, war crimes, terrorism, or extremist organisations.
Step 4: Review & Pay
Review your entries on the summary screen. Tap “Continue to payment” and pay the £20 fee using a credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. Do not close the browser until the “Payment successful” screen appears.
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UK eTA Application Fee and Payment Methods
The £20 UK eTA application fee is non-refundable once submitted, regardless of whether the electronic travel authorisation is approved or refused.
| Payment Category | Accepted Methods |
|---|---|
| Credit and Debit Cards | Visa, Mastercard, Amex |
| Digital Wallets | Apple Pay, Google Pay |
Payment must be cleared directly through the gov.uk portal or the mobile app. Beware of third-party platforms charging hidden processing fees.
Applying for Children, Babies, and Family Groups
Each traveller, including babies and infants, needs an individual UK eTA application and a £20 fee, meaning a family of four pays £80 total. Group batch applications have specific profile limits per checkout session.
Applying for Infants (0-2 years)
For the infant liveness check, place the baby on a plain blanket in a well-lit room. Hover the camera above them, ensuring no toys or hands are visible. This workaround helps bypass the app’s strict facial recognition parameters.
Applying for Children (3-17 years)
Parents travelling in 2026 can complete the UK eTA application on behalf of minors. The system allows an adult to scan the child’s biometric passport and upload their digital photo using the same device.
Common UK eTA Application Mistakes, Scams, and How to Avoid Them
The UK eTA application requires exact data matching your biometric passport. One client was charged £49.99 by “”. The authentic app shows a green padlock and opens with the text “GOV.UK”. Never share your passport data on any site claiming to process your UK eTA application for over £20.
- Incorrect name formatting: Enter your full legal name exactly as it appears in the machine-readable zone of your passport.
- Rejected digital photos: Ensure your uploaded image file meets the strict system criteria, specifically using the required JPG/PNG format without glare or filters.
| Legitimate gov.uk Channel | Scam Websites |
|---|---|
| Fixed £20 fee | Charges £30 to £50+ markup |
| URL ends in.gov.uk | Uses fake domains (e.g.,.org,.com) |
| Direct submission to UK Visas and Immigration | Acts as an unnecessary middleman |
After You Submit: Processing, Decision, Validity, and Next Steps
According to the UK Home Office guidance “Electronic Travel Authorisation: How to Apply” (updated May 2026), the processing time is normally within 3 working days (see gov.uk). Once approved, the document remains valid for 2 years or until the linked passport expires.
Processing Timeline:
Minute 0
Submit UK eTA application and pay £20.
Hours 1-24
Most applicants receive a decision email containing their 16-digit reference number.
Days 1-3
Maximum standard processing time. Check your spam folder if no email arrives.
Validity and Usage Rules:
- Permitted activities: Valid for tourism, visiting family, business, short-term study, independent research, transit, and permitted paid engagement (which allows experts to be paid for short-term specific engagements like guest lectures or arts performances).
- Passport linkage: The authorisation is digitally linked to the exact biometric passport used.
- Passport renewal: You must submit a new UK eTA application if you renew your passport.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the UK eTA Application
How early should I apply for a UK ETA?
Apply at least one week before departure. Processing takes up to 3 working days, often less.
What happens if my UK eTA application is refused?
There is no formal right of appeal. You must submit a standard UK visa application instead. Contact UK Visas and Immigration via webchat for guidance.
Do I need a new UK eTA if I get a new passport?
Yes. Your authorisation is digitally linked to your specific biometric passport. A new passport requires a fresh application and a new £20 fee.
Can I travel to the UK while my eTA is pending?
No. You must receive your decision email containing your 16-digit reference number before travelling.
Do I need a UK eTA for transit flights?
Landside transit (passing through border control) requires a UK eTA. Airside transit (remaining in the departure lounge) does not.
Is the UK eTA application fee refundable?
No, the £20 fee is strictly non-refundable once submitted, regardless of the decision.
How do I check my UK eTA application status?
You will receive an email within 3 working days. You can also use the online checker on the gov.uk website.
Can I apply for a UK eTA on behalf of someone else?
Yes, but every traveller, including babies, must have their own individual application and pay the £20 fee.
What is the difference between a UK eTA and a UK visa?
A UK eTA is a quick digital entry requirement for visa-exempt travellers. A UK visa is a complex document for non-exempt nationalities or longer stays.
How long can I stay in the UK with an approved eTA?
You can stay up to 6 months per visit. The authorisation is valid for multiple entries over 2 years.
Have you used this guide? Let us know how long your approval took below, your experience helps other travellers avoid delays.
