This guide explains how to apply for a UK ETA in 2026 and how ETAPORTAL helps travelers prepare their UK ETA application more accurately and smoothly.

1. Prepare Before Applying

Before starting your UK ETA application, prepare the following:

• Valid passport
• Available email address
• Credit card or debit card for payment
• Applicant’s face photo
• Basic contact information

2. Start Your Application

Start your UK ETA application with support from ETAPORTAL.

ETAPORTAL helps travelers complete their application more accurately and smoothly, with the goal of reducing mistakes and improving application quality.

3. Enter Passport and Personal Information

Enter the following information:

• Full name exactly as shown on your passport
• Date of birth
• Nationality
• Passport number
• Passport issuing country
• Passport expiry date
• Contact information

All information must match your passport exactly.

4. Submit Photo and Application Information

A UK ETA application requires the applicant’s face photo and passport information.

The photo is used for identity verification and must be submitted clearly and accurately.

If the photo is unclear or the application information is incorrect, processing delays or application issues may occur.

5. Answer Eligibility Questions

The following items may be included:

• Criminal history
• Previous entry or immigration issues
• Security and identity-related questions
• Other eligibility checks

You must answer accurately and honestly.

6. Review Your Application

Before submission, check the following:

• Confirm all information is accurate
• Check for errors in your name, passport number, and dates
• Confirm your email address
• Check your photo and submitted information

Incorrect information may lead to delays, refusal, or travel issues.

7. Pay the UK ETA Fee

Pay the application fee using an accepted payment method.

Once payment is completed, the application will be officially processed.

It is important to review all information again before final payment.

8. Processing Time and Result Check

UK ETA application results are usually provided quickly, but processing may take up to 3 working days.

Results are generally provided by email.

Possible results include:

Approved – UK ETA approved
Refused – You cannot travel with a UK ETA and may need to apply for a UK visa
Additional review required – Application review or additional steps may be needed

9. After Approval

If approved:

• Generally valid for up to 2 years
• Valid until passport expiry if the passport expires earlier
• Multiple visits to the UK allowed during the validity period
• Each visit may allow a stay of up to 6 months

The UK ETA is linked to the passport used in the application. You must travel with the same passport.

Important Notice

• UK ETA approval does not guarantee entry. The final decision is made by UK border officials.
• If your passport changes, a new UK ETA is required.
• Each traveler, including children and infants, must apply for their own UK ETA.
• It is recommended to apply in advance to avoid last-minute travel issues.
• ETAPORTAL actively supports accurate application preparation and smooth travel to the United Kingdom, but it cannot influence the decision of the UK government and does not guarantee approval.

The UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is an online travel authorization system that eligible travelers must apply for before entering the United Kingdom.

The UK ETA may be required for short-term visits to the UK, including tourism, visiting family or friends, short-term business, or short-term study. Once approved, it allows travelers to stay in the UK for up to 6 months per visit.

Before traveling, eligible visitors must submit their personal details and passport information through the online application system.
This system was introduced to simplify the entry process for travelers and strengthen border security.

UK ETA applications are usually processed quickly, but it may take up to 3 working days.

If the information entered in the UK ETA application does not match the information on your passport, or if you travel with a different passport than the one used for the application, you may be denied boarding or experience entry issues. Please make sure to review all information carefully before final submission.

Who Needs It
Travelers from eligible countries who do not require a visa to visit the United Kingdom.

Important Information

• A UK ETA is required for eligible travelers visiting the UK, including children and infants, and each traveler must have their own authorization.
• A UK ETA is not a visa and does not guarantee entry into the United Kingdom. Final entry permission is determined by UK border officials upon arrival.
• An approved UK ETA is valid for 2 years, or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
• If your passport details or personal information change, or if you obtain a new passport, you must apply for a new UK ETA before your next trip.

UK ETA Application Status Guide by Stage

Payment Completed

Application Submitted

Under Review

Cannot be modified

Reviewed

Approval Reviewed

Approval

Department of Justice approval

UK ETA application results are sent via email. They may be filtered into your spam or junk folder, so check it.

• You can apply for a UK ETA at any time.
• You must obtain UK ETA approval before traveling to the United Kingdom.
• Please note that, depending on the situation, the review process may take longer than 72 hours.

UK ETA Application Status Guide

Under Review (Non-editable Stage)

Your application has been successfully submitted and is currently under review in the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) system.

At this stage, your application cannot be modified.

Reviewed (Approval Review in Progress)

Your application is currently being reviewed for approval by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

In most cases, the review result will be provided within 3 working days. However, it may take longer due to an increase in the number of applications or additional verification procedures.

Approved

Your UK ETA application has been approved.

Once your UK ETA is approved, you may board and travel to the United Kingdom for entry. Final permission to enter will be determined by UK border control upon arrival.

Rejection Notice

Selfie Photo

The selfie photo attached to your application does not meet the required standards.

Please upload a new photo that meets the required guidelines.

Passport Photo

The passport photo attached to your application does not meet the required standards.

Please upload a new photo that meets the required guidelines.

Passport Photo / Selfie Photo

Both the passport photo and selfie photo attached to your application do not meet the required standards.

Please upload new photos that meet the required guidelines.

Rejected

Your UK ETA application has been rejected.

Information regarding the rejection may be sent to the email address provided during the application process. Please check both your inbox and spam folder.

Other Status Information

Temporary

Your application has not been fully completed, or the application has been completed but payment has not yet been made.

Your application will only be finally submitted after all information has been completed and payment has been successfully processed.

Cancelled

Your application has been cancelled.

▶ UK ETA is an online travel authorisation system for foreign nationals who wish to enter the United Kingdom for tourism, visiting family or friends, attending events or meetings, and other permitted purposes, excluding those entering for profit-making activities.

▶ Nationals of countries who do not require a visa to visit the United Kingdom must apply for a UK ETA if they intend to enter the UK for tourism, visiting family or friends, short-term business, attending meetings, or short-term study.

▶ UK ETA is valid for up to 2 years from the date of approval, within the validity period of the passport, unless important personal information such as name, nationality, or passport number changes. If any important personal information changes, a new application must be submitted.

▶ Once the application has been submitted, it cannot be modified. If incorrect information has been entered, a new application must be submitted.
If the information on the UK ETA application does not match the information on the passport, boarding an aircraft / ship may not be permitted.
Please make sure to carefully check the information you entered before making the final payment.

▶ The following persons are exempt from UK ETA

• Holders of a British or Irish passport
• Holders of a UK visa
• Holders of permission to live, work, or study in the UK
• Holders of settled or pre-settled status in the UK
• Holders of a British Overseas Territories citizen passport
• Holders of a British National (Overseas) passport
• Airside transit passengers who do not pass through UK border control
• Residents of Ireland entering the UK from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man
• Persons exempt from immigration control