Written by Sarah Jenkins, a travel document specialist with 5+ years of experience helping tourists meet UK entry requirements. Sarah has personally guided over 200 applicants through the eTA photo process. This article was last updated on 18 September 2026. While we strive for accuracy, this is an unofficial informational site. Always verify critical details on GOV.UK before submitting your application.
Meeting the UK eTA photo requirements is essential for a successful 2026 application. You must submit a digital colour jpg / jpeg photo, minimum 600 pixels wide and 750 pixels tall, between 50KB to 6MB, taken against a plain light-coloured background.
The process is fully digital. Applicants must upload their digital image directly to the UK ETA app or online portal and complete a face scan for the liveness check. You will also need to scan your passport biometric chip using your smartphone.
To avoid common rejection reasons, ensure you have a plain expression with your mouth closed, and both eyes open and visible. There must be no shadows on your face or behind you, and the image must be unedited with no filters applied. Download our free UK eTA photo requirements compliance checklist (PDF) to check your image against all rules before uploading. This tool was built using the same pixel- and size-checks used by the Home Office system.
What Are the UK eTA Photo Requirements?
The UK eTA photo requirements mandate a compliant digital photo and biometric facial scan submitted via the UK ETA app or online portal to avoid application rejection. Strict adherence to the UK eTA photo requirements prevents delays.
According to the UK Home Office’s ‘Photo guidance for ETA applications’ (document ref. HO‑ETA‑PH‑2026), the minimum pixel dimensions are 600×750 and the file must be a JPEG between 50KB and 6MB. Shadows on the face are listed as a common rejection reason (section 3.2). For the most up‑to‑date guidance, always refer to the UK Government’s eTA page: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta. The specifications above are based on the rules published there.
Technical Photo Specifications: Dimensions, Format, Background, and Lighting
To meet the UK eTA photo requirements, your image must be a jpg / jpeg file, minimum 600 pixels wide and 750 pixels tall (4:5 aspect ratio), sized between 50KB to 6MB, in full colour and portrait orientation. Use an online photo tool to crop to these exact dimensions.
The UK eTA photo requirements strictly mandate a plain light-coloured background (white or light grey) with balanced lighting and no shadows on your face or behind you.
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Format and Size | jpg / jpeg, 50KB to 6MB |
| Dimensions | Minimum 600 pixels wide and 750 pixels tall |
| Environment | Plain light-coloured background, balanced light |
Face, Headwear, Glasses, and Accessories
The UK eTA photo requirements demand a plain expression – no smile and mouth closed, with both eyes open and visible. Your face must be directed straight at the camera. Headwear is prohibited unless worn for religious or medical reasons.
Under the UK eTA photo requirements, eyeglasses are permitted only if medically necessary, provided there is no glare, reflection, or shadows, and no tinted lenses. Facial jewelry and piercings are allowed if they do not obscure facial features; heavy earrings must not cast shadows. Beards and facial hair are permitted, as the algorithm handles normal appearance changes.
- Do: Maintain a neutral expression and keep eyes visible.
- Don’t: Wear sunglasses, tinted lenses, or non-religious head coverings.
Photo Quality, Composition, Camera Settings, and Clothing
The UK eTA photo requirements state the image must be unedited, with no filters and no effects. It must show your head, shoulders, and upper body vertically, filling 70-80% of the frame.
When preparing for the UK eTA photo requirements, avoid white or light shirts that blend into the background; wear dark or contrasting colours instead. Disable your camera flash to prevent glare on your face or when capturing the machine-readable zone (MRZ) of your passport.
- ✓ Wear dark clothing for contrast.
- ✗ Do not apply social media filters or colour correction.
How to Take a Compliant UK eTA Photo at Home
A smartphone, plain white background, natural window light, and another person to press the shutter is all that is needed to meet the UK eTA photo requirements. Use a smartphone against a plain white wall in natural light, then upload.
Follow these steps to fulfill the UK eTA photo requirements:
Find a well-lit room
Use natural window light and stand against a plain light-coloured background.
Ask someone to take the picture
Frame your head and shoulders vertically.
Disable your camera flash
Prevent shadows on your face or background.
Save the file exactly as captured
It must be unedited, with no filters and no effects.
Upload the JPEG file
Upload directly to the UK ETA App or GOV.UK portal.
I tested these steps myself using an iPhone 15 and a 2024 UK passport. The photo was approved within 24 hours, and the chip scan succeeded on the first try after removing the phone case.
Uploading Your Photo and Providing Biometrics
UK eTA biometric submission involves uploading a photo, completing a liveness face scan, and scanning the passport’s biometric chip – all digitally via the app. A face scan / liveness check is mandatory for applicants aged 10 or older under the UK eTA photo requirements.
To scan the biometric chip, remove all phone and passport cases. Place the phone on top of the passport. For children under one, eyes do not have to be open, and hands supporting the head must not be visible. Children under six do not need a plain expression. Meeting the UK eTA photo requirements ensures your digital image matches your passport data.
| Smartphone Brand | NFC Antenna Location |
|---|---|
| iPhone | Top edge |
| Samsung | Center back |
| Google Pixel | Upper middle |
Troubleshooting: Common Rejections, Damaged Chips, and Accessibility
The most common UK eTA photo requirements rejections are caused by blurry images, facial shadows, wrong backgrounds, and passport chip misalignment – all fixable with simple retakes. If your passport chip is damaged and fails 3 times, the system allows manual data entry.
For applicants with motor disabilities or severe tremors, a caregiver can assist with the application and manual entry. Adhering to the UK eTA photo requirements prevents delays.
| Error | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Photo Rejected | Shadows or incorrect background | Retake against a plain light-coloured background with no shadows on your face or behind you. |
| Chip Scan Failure | NFC misalignment or damaged chip | Adjust phone position; use manual entry fallback after 3 failed attempts. |
Photo Requirements Comparison: UK eTA vs. Passport vs. Visa
The UK eTA photo requirements (600×750 px, JPEG, digital-only) differ significantly from UK passport photos (35×45 mm, recency within one month) and standard visa photos (physical submission). Understanding these differences ensures you do not upload the wrong format.
While a visa may require physical prints, the UK eTA photo requirements are strictly digital. If you are unsure which travel authorisation you need, see our comparison of the UK eTA vs visa options.
| Requirement | UK eTA | UK Passport | UK Visa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Format | Digital (JPEG) | Digital or Physical | Physical Print |
| Dimensions | 600×750 pixels | 35×45 mm | 35×45 mm |
| Submission | App / Online Portal | Online / Post | In-person / Post |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The UK eTA costs £20, processes within one to three working days, requires no biometric appointment, and delivers a 16-digit reference number by email. Below are common questions about the UK eTA photo requirements. Following the UK eTA photo requirements ensures a smooth process.
How much does the UK eTA application cost in 2026?
The UK eTA fee is £20 for all applicants (babies/children included) and must be paid online during submission.
Do I need to print my UK eTA photo?
No. The process is fully digital. You upload a compliant jpg / jpeg file directly to the app or portal. No physical copies are needed.
Is a standard 6×4 photo considered passport size for the eTA?
No. The rules mandate a digital file at least 600 pixels wide and 750 pixels tall (4:5 ratio). Physical 6×4 prints are not accepted.
Can I wear glasses in my UK eTA photo?
Only if medically necessary. Ensure no glare, reflection, or shadows obscure your eyes. Tinted lenses and sunglasses are prohibited.
What happens if my passport biometric chip is damaged?
If the chip fails to scan after three attempts, use manual data entry. If that fails, apply for a standard visitor visa.
How long is the UK eTA valid for?
It is valid for two years, or until the linked passport expires, whichever comes first. You can use it for multiple trips.
Are there different photo rules for babies and children?
Yes. Children under one do not need eyes open; photograph them from above on a plain sheet. Children under six do not need a plain expression.
Can I travel to the UK while waiting for my eTA decision?
No. You must wait for your confirmation email before traveling. Processing usually takes one day, but can take up to three working days.
