Last updated: 18 September 2026. This article is an independent guide for travellers and is not affiliated with the UK Home Office. For the most up-to-date information, always check the external official UK government website: gov.uk. Written by James Carter, travel tech journalist with 8 years of experience covering visa and entry systems.
When applying for travel authorization in 2026, the accepted UK eTA payment methods include Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. The mandatory fee is strictly £20 per applicant, processed exclusively within the application app.
Travelers must complete the transaction using 3D-Secure authentication – typically a bank app confirmation or a one-time security code sent by the issuer. Alternative options like PayPal or cryptocurrency are strictly rejected. The system defaults to your local currency, but you can opt for GBP to avoid additional currency selection markups.
The application fee is non-refundable. After a successful transaction, applicants receive their 16-digit ETA reference number via an active email address, and decisions are typically issued within 1 to 3 working days. The standard validity of an approved ETA is up to two years.
Accepted Payment Methods for the UK eTA in 2026
The UK eTA payment methods process the mandatory £20 application fee immediately. Accepted UK eTA payment methods include major credit and debit cards, plus digital wallets, while PayPal and cryptocurrency are strictly rejected.
| Payment Method | Type | Accepted? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa, Mastercard, Amex, JCB | Credit Card | Yes | Standard processing |
| Visa Debit, Maestro | Debit Card | Yes | Must support online payments |
| Apple Pay, Google Pay | Digital Wallet | Yes | Available in-app |
| PayPal, Crypto | Alternative | No | Instant payment failure |
Credit and Debit Cards
After scanning the biometric chip on the original physical passport you will travel with (no digital copies) via NFC, the UK eTA payment methods securely charge your registered card via encrypted networks.
Digital Wallets
Apple Pay and Google Pay are available in-app, offering contactless-style authorization.
UK eTA Cost, Currency Selection, and Payment Steps
The non-refundable £20 fee defaults to your local currency, but selecting GBP helps avoid Dynamic Currency Conversion fees during the in-app checkout.
UK eTA payment methods process transactions exclusively within the application. Follow these steps:
Biometric face scan
Complete the scan and reach the payment screen
Currency selection
Choose your currency selection
Enter card details
Provide your card details and security code
Bank app confirmation
Complete the bank app confirmation
Payment Security and Card Verification
The accepted UK eTA payment methods require 3D Secure verification. Once approved, you receive a 16-digit reference number via email, with processing taking up to 3 working days. When I applied for my UK eTA in March 2026, I used Apple Pay. The bank app confirmation popped up within seconds, and I received my reference number by email 4 hours later.
Why Your UK eTA Payment Might Fail (and How to Fix It)
In 2026, UK eTA payment methods require active 3D Secure verification. A declined payment often results from missing a bank app confirmation, active VPN connections, or insufficient funds.
Ten Attempts Limit Warning
The application portal enforces a strict 10 attempts limit for failed transactions before locking your current application. Verify your security code and check for international blocks on your card.
Alternative UK eTA payment methods like Apple Pay bypass manual CVV entry via Face ID/Touch ID, reducing decline rates.
Third-Party Payments and Multi-Currency Cards
The accepted UK eTA payment methods allow a third party to pay the application fee on your behalf using their own card. However, group applications cannot be paid in a single lump sum. Each applicant requires a strictly separate £20 transaction.
Multi-currency cards like Revolut, Wise, and Curve work if online international payments are enabled and the balance covers the £20 fee.
FAQ: UK eTA Payment Methods and Rules
Can I use PayPal to pay for my UK eTA?
No, PayPal is not among the accepted UK eTA payment methods in 2026. The system exclusively accepts major credit/debit cards and digital wallets, strictly rejecting cryptocurrency.
Can I pay for my UK eTA with a prepaid card like Revolut or Wise?
Yes, multi-currency cards like Revolut, Wise, and Curve work if online international payments are enabled and the balance covers the £20 fee.
Can I use a non-UK debit card?
Yes, non-UK debit cards like Visa Debit and Maestro are fully supported. You can change the default currency selection to GBP to avoid Dynamic Currency Conversion fees.
Is it safe to enter card details for the UK eTA?
Yes, the payment gateway utilizes TLS 1.3 encryption, meeting UK government security standards. It also requires 3D Secure authentication via a bank app confirmation or security code.
Can I pay more for faster processing?
No expedited processing exists; all applications cost strictly £20 and take up to 3 working days.
Can I get a payment receipt with my ETA reference number?
Yes, after the £20 payment, you will receive a confirmation email to your active email address. This serves as a receipt and includes your 16-digit ETA reference number.
Does the UK eTA application support group payments?
No, the system does not allow bulk group transactions. Each £20 fee must be processed individually for every applicant, even if a third party is paying.
What happens if my UK eTA payment is declined?
If a payment is declined, try another card or digital wallet. You have a strict limit of 10 attempts before lockout.
