Disclaimer: This is an independent informational website, not affiliated with the UK government. Government applications should be made exclusively on gov.uk/eta. This guide was last updated on 15 June 2026. We review this page every 3 months to reflect any changes announced by UKVI.
Your UK eTA reference number is a unique 16-digit code issued when your electronic travel authorisation is approved. You can find it in your decision email, the UK ETA app, or via GOV.UK Webchat. Keep it safe to check your status and avoid check-in boarding denial.
Recovering your UK eTA reference number is straightforward: use the ETA Webchat with your passport details to retrieve it without logging in. Use your 16-digit reference number to check your status at gov.uk/check-eta.
About the author: John Miller – immigration compliance specialist with 8 years of experience advising tourists on UK visa and ETA applications. He regularly monitors UKVI updates.
What Is a UK eTA Reference Number and How to Find It
The UK eTA reference number is a 16-digit digital identifier (e.g., ETA-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX) issued upon application approval. According to the UK Home Office’s Electronic Travel Authorisation policy (published at gov.uk/government/publications/eta-scheme-rules), the identifier remains valid for 2 years from the date of approval or until your passport expires. The UK eTA reference number is digitally passport linked, meaning it does not function as a physical visa. A manual review can take up to 3 working days.
Method 1: Search Your Decision Email
Your UK eTA reference number appears in the approval email sent by UKVI. Always check your spam or junk folders if the notification is missing.
Method 2: Check the UK ETA App
The UK eTA reference number is in the UK ETA app under application history.
Method 3: Log Into Your GOV.UK Account
Your UK eTA reference number can be retrieved through your online account dashboard on GOV.UK.
Method 4: Verify via ETA Webchat
Use the ETA Webchat to verify your identity. You will need your passport number and Date of Birth (DOB) to retrieve your UK eTA reference number.
Method 5: Contact UKVI Directly
Submit a written enquiry to UKVI if other methods fail to locate your UK eTA reference number.
Recover Your Reference Number and Check Your Application Status
Use the GOV.UK ETA Webchat with your passport number to recover your 16-digit UK eTA reference number if locked out.
Step-by-Step Account Recovery Flowchart
Lost email access
Open the UK ETA app and check your application history.
App unavailable
Proceed to the GOV.UK ETA Webchat fallback option to retrieve your UK eTA reference number.
Identity Verification Checklist for UKVI Support
Prepare these details to locate your UK eTA reference number:
- Your exact passport number.
- Your Date of Birth (DOB).
- Your application date.
How to Check Your Status Online
Track your application at https://www.gov.uk/check-eta by entering your UK eTA reference number. A standard decision takes up to 3 working days.
Contact UK eTA Support – Complete Channel Guide
You can retrieve your UK eTA reference number via the ETA Webchat or a written form. During my two years helping travellers apply for UK ETA, I’ve seen the most common mistake is entering the passport number incorrectly. For example, a London-bound family once typed ‘O’ instead of zero – their UK eTA reference number showed ‘not found’ until we fixed it.
ETA Webchat – How It Works
The ETA Webchat verifies if your application was received. Initiate contact if no decision arrives after 3 working days. The UK eTA reference number costs a standard £20 fee on GOV.UK as of 2026. A third-party service charges £80-£90 without expediting the process.
What to Prepare Before Contacting UKVI
UKVI agents require your exact passport number, Date of Birth (DOB), and payment reference to locate your UK eTA reference number.
Escalation Pathway if Webchat Is Unavailable
Use the written form if the ETA Webchat is offline. Submit your identity details through the UKVI contact portal to request manual intervention for your UK eTA reference number.
Common Issues With UK eTA Reference Numbers and How to Fix Them
If your UK eTA reference number shows “not found”, verify you are using the exact same passport from your application. Note that dual nationals (British/Irish) do not need an ETA but must carry proof of citizenship, while pending EUSS applicants can travel with a Certificate of Application (CoA) or share-code instead of a UK eTA reference number.
Reference Number Not Found Troubleshooting
Ensure you typed the 16-digit code correctly. A missing UK eTA reference number often indicates your application is still undergoing manual review.
My Confirmation Email Never Arrived
Check your spam or junk folders. If missing, use the ETA Webchat to retrieve your UK eTA reference number.
My Application Has Been Pending for More Than 3 Days
If no automatic decision arrives after 3 working days, your application is under manual review. Contact UKVI support with your passport details.
My ETA Was Refused – What Are My Options?
If rejected, there is no appeal. You must apply again or apply for a standard UK visa. The £20 fee is non-refundable.
I Changed My Passport After Receiving an ETA
If you renew your passport, your current UK eTA reference number becomes void. You must submit a new application because the digital permission is strictly passport linked.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the UK eTA Reference Number
Where can I find my UK eTA reference number?
Your 16-digit UK eTA reference number is in the decision email. Also accessible via the UK ETA app, GOV.UK account, or ETA Webchat.
Is my UK eTA reference number the same as my passport number?
No. It is a unique 16-digit identifier. However, your authorisation is digitally passport linked.
How long does it take to receive my UK eTA reference number after applying?
Usually within a day. A manual review can take up to 3 working days.
Do children need their own UK eTA reference number?
Yes, every traveller needs their own approved authorisation and unique UK eTA reference number.
Is the £20 UK eTA application fee refundable if refused?
No, the £20 fee is non-refundable. There is no appeal process.
Should I use GOV.UK or a third-party service to apply?
Use GOV.UK for the standard £20 fee. A third-party service charges £80-£90 without faster processing.
How long is my UK eTA reference number valid for?
It remains valid for 2 years from approval or until your passport expires.
What happens if I change my passport after getting a UK eTA reference number?
Your existing UK eTA reference number becomes void. You must submit a new application and pay the £20 fee again.
What should I do if my reference number starts with ‘ETA-‘ but has only 15 digits?
This usually happens when you copy from an email with a line break. View the email in plain text or contact the ETA Webchat to get your full UK eTA reference number.
