Last updated: 2026-09-18. Based on Home Office guidance.
To perform a UK eTA check status, use the GOV.UK online service with your 16-digit reference number or passport details. The UK ETA app and UKVI decision email are alternative channels. If no decision arrives within 3 working days, contact UKVI webchat for escalation.
While automated decisions process in minutes, applications requiring manual review by the Home Office can take up to 3 working days. Checking your spam folder for the decision email is a crucial first step before assuming a delay. If your UK eTA application status exceeds this standard timeframe, you must take action to resolve the delay.
How UK ETA Processing Works and What Your Status Means
Automated UK ETA decisions arrive within minutes, while a manual review takes up to 3 working days. Outcomes are Granted, Pending, or Refused.
For the UK eTA application status check process, ‘Pending’ means manual review; ‘Delayed’ means processing exceeds 3 working days.
| Decision Type | Timeframe | Trigger |
|---|---|---|
| Automated | Minutes | Standard clearance |
| Manual Review | Up to 3 working days | Identity cannot be confirmed automatically |
Your UK eTA application status determines your next steps.
| Status | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Granted | Approved (valid for 2 years or until passport expiry) | None |
| Pending | Under review | Wait up to 3 working days |
| Refused | Denied (no right to appeal) | Reapply fixing errors or apply for a UK visitor visa |
How to Check Your UK ETA Application Status
To check your UK eTA application status, use the GOV.UK portal with your 16-digit reference number or passport details. Alternatively, use the UK ETA app (iOS 16+/Android 12+), check your decision email, or contact UKVI via webchat.
- GOV.UK Portal: The UK eTA application status check process requires your 16-digit ETA reference number and passport. It cannot be used if recently applied and a decision is not yet received.
- Decision Email: Automated updates go directly to your registered inbox. Check your spam folder.
- UK ETA App: Updates automatically on devices running iOS 16 or later or Android 12 or later (requires NFC).
How to Check UK ETA Status Without a Reference Number
Use the GOV.UK portal and enter the exact passport details provided during submission. The system will locate your outcome without the 16-digit code.
How to Verify You Are Using the Genuine Government UK ETA Service
The genuine UK eTA check status portal operates exclusively on GOV.UK. Avoid third-party service scams charging unexpected fees, as the standard application costs exactly £16.
How Your UK ETA Is Linked to Your Passport
The UK eTA application status is digitally linked to the physical passport and remains active for a 2 years validity period or until the passport expires. Status is verified using passport details; no physical certificate exists.
- Digital integration: You do not need to print any documents. Your approval connects directly to your passport’s biometric chip data.
- Dual nationality: The system links the authorisation strictly to the specific passport used to apply. A new passport requires a new ETA application, even if you hold dual citizenship.
- Carrier verification: Transport operators conduct an interactive electronic API check of your ETA before allowing you to board.
- Delay triggers: A passport scan mismatch frequently causes processing delays. The UK eTA application status check process displays a pending result when automated systems cannot verify your identity instantly.
What to Do If Your UK ETA Application Is Delayed or Refused
If no decision arrives within 3 working days: 1) Check your spam folder for the Home Office decision email. 2) Verify your outcome on GOV.UK using your passport details. 3) Contact UKVI via webchat to escalate the delay.
Pending beyond 3 days indicates a delay. Causes: passport scan mismatch, data entry errors, adverse records.
Step-by-Step Escalation Checklist
Check your email spam folder
Check your email spam folder for the decision email.
Confirm the timeframe has passed
Confirm that 3 working days have passed since submission.
Check your status on GOV.UK
Use the UK eTA application status check process on GOV.UK.
Gather your details
Gather your passport and 16-digit ETA reference number.
Contact UKVI via webchat
Contact UKVI via webchat to resolve the delay.
Respond to UKVI requests
Respond to UKVI requests promptly; upload documents if asked.
Reapply or apply for a visitor visa if refused
Reapply if refused, or apply for a UK visitor visa, because there is no right to appeal.
Can You Expedite a Delayed UK ETA Application?
No expedited service exists in 2026. You must wait for the standard manual review timeframe to conclude.
Lost Your 16-Digit ETA Reference Number?
Use the GOV.UK portal with your passport details, or contact UKVI webchat to recover your identifier for the UK eTA application status check process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I check my UK eTA application status online?
To complete a UK eTA check status online, visit the GOV.UK portal at https://www.gov.uk/check-eta. You will need your 16-digit ETA reference number and the passport used during your application.
Can I check my UK eTA status with only my passport number?
Yes, use passport details on GOV.UK. The ETA is linked to your passport.
Why is my UK eTA status still pending after 3 working days?
Pending beyond 3 working days indicates a delay. Causes include a passport scan mismatch, data entry errors, or adverse records. Contact UKVI via webchat to escalate.
What should I do if I lost my 16-digit ETA reference number?
If you lose your 16-digit ETA reference number, you can still perform a UK eTA check status on the GOV.UK portal using your passport details. If you need the exact number, you must contact UKVI customer support via webchat and provide your passport number, application date, and email address.
Is there an expedited service for a delayed UK ETA application?
No expedited service exists for a delayed UK eTA application. If your UK eTA status is delayed beyond the standard 3 working days, your only option is to contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) through their webchat service to request an update or resolve the issue.
How will I know if my UK ETA application is approved?
You will receive a decision email from UKVI notifying you that your UK eTA application status is granted. This email contains your 16-digit ETA reference number.
Does a pending UK eTA status mean my application is refused?
No, a pending UK eTA application status simply means your identity cannot be confirmed automatically and requires a manual check. This manual review takes up to 3 working days. If your application is refused, you will receive a specific notification and must reapply or apply for a UK visitor visa.
Are third-party services safe for checking my UK eTA status?
You should verify you are using the genuine Government UK ETA service at https://www.gov.uk/check-eta. Third-party services may charge unnecessary fees. The Home Office provides this tracking service directly, and it is the most secure way to monitor your UK eTA status and protect your passport data.
Do family members in a group application receive their UK ETA status at the same time?
No, decisions for group applications may arrive at different times for each person. Even if you applied together, each family member’s UK eTA application status is processed individually. Automated decisions might take minutes for one person, while another might require a manual review taking up to 3 working days.
What happens to my UK ETA status if I get a new passport?
Your UK ETA is digitally linked to the specific physical passport used when applying. If you get a new passport, your current UK eTA status becomes invalid. You must submit a new application and pay the £16 fee again before you travel.
How do I check if I already have an ETA for the UK?
Use the GOV.UK portal with your passport details. The UK eTA application status check process will confirm if you hold a valid authorisation, which lasts for 2 years or until your passport expires.
What happens if UKVI requests additional evidence?
During a manual review, UKVI may contact you for more information. You must respond to UKVI requests promptly and upload documents if asked to prevent further delays to your UK eTA application status.
