To apply for a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), you need a valid passport, an email address, and a payment method. The requirements are deliberately simple — the UK government designed the ETA to be a quick, accessible process that does not require extensive documentation.
This guide covers all the UK ETA requirements, the documents you need, and the eligibility criteria for applicants.
UK ETA Requirements Overview
The UK ETA application requires:
- A valid passport
- An email address
- A payment method (£20 fee)
- A digital photo of yourself
- Answers to suitability questions
You do NOT need:
- Proof of accommodation
- Flight or travel bookings
- Bank statements or financial proof
- Employment letters
- Invitation letters
- Travel insurance
- Previous UK visa history
Passport Requirements for UK ETA
Your passport is the most important document for your UK ETA application. It must be:
Valid and Current
- Not expired
- Issued by an eligible country
- Machine-readable (standard modern passports)
In Good Condition
- Photo page clearly readable
- No significant damage
- Personal details visible
- Electronic chip functional (for app applications)
The Right Passport
- You must use the same passport to apply and travel
- If you hold multiple passports, use the one you will travel with
- Your ETA is linked to this specific passport
Passport Photo Page
When applying, you will need to photograph or upload your passport’s photo page. This page contains:
- Your full name
- Date of birth
- Nationality
- Passport number
- Passport expiry date
- Your passport photo
- Machine-readable zone (MRZ)
Ensure all details are clearly visible in the photo.
Photo Requirements for UK ETA
You need a digital photo that meets UK passport photo standards:
Face Photo Requirements
- Taken within the last month
- Plain, light-coloured background (white or light grey)
- Neutral facial expression (no smiling)
- Eyes open and clearly visible
- No sunglasses or tinted glasses
- No head coverings unless for religious or medical reasons
- Face centred in the frame
- No other people in the photo
- Good lighting with no shadows on face
Technical Requirements
- Clear and in focus
- Not blurry or pixelated
- Correct exposure (not too dark or too light)
- No red-eye
- No digital alterations or filters
App Photo Process
When using the UK ETA app, the photo process is built in:
1. The app guides you to position your face within an oval frame
2. It checks lighting and clarity automatically
3. It performs a liveness check (ensures you are a real person)
4. The photo is compared to your passport photo
Email Address Requirements
You need a valid email address for:
- Receiving your application confirmation
- Receiving your ETA decision
- Getting your 16-digit reference number
- Any communications from UKVI
Tips for email requirements:
- Use an email you check regularly
- Ensure your inbox is not full
- Check spam/junk folders after applying
- Keep the same email for any follow-up communications
Payment Requirements
You need a valid payment method to pay the £20 fee:
Accepted payment methods:
- Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)
- Debit cards
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
Payment is processed in British pounds. Your bank may apply:
- Currency conversion fees (1–3%)
- Foreign transaction fees
Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees to minimise costs.
Suitability Requirements
During the application, you must answer questions about:
Criminal History
- Any unspent criminal convictions
- Previous sentences (custodial or community)
- Pending criminal proceedings
Immigration History
- Previous UK visa refusals
- Deportation from the UK
- Overstaying in any country
- Previous immigration violations
Security Questions
- Involvement in terrorism
- War crimes or crimes against humanity
- Activities that threaten national security
Answer all questions honestly. Providing false information is a criminal offence and will result in your application being refused.
Age Requirements
There are no age restrictions for the UK ETA:
- Adults: Standard application
- Children: Need their own ETA (parent or guardian can apply)
- Infants: Need their own ETA
- Elderly travellers: Standard application
Every traveller, regardless of age, needs an individual ETA.
Nationality Requirements
You need a passport from an eligible country to apply for a UK ETA. Eligible nationalities include:
Americas
- United States
- Canada
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Mexico
- Chile
- And other visa-exempt nations
Europe
- All EU member states (except Ireland)
- Switzerland
- Norway
- Iceland
- Liechtenstein
- Andorra
- Monaco
- San Marino
- Vatican City
Asia-Pacific
- Japan
- South Korea
- Singapore
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Taiwan
- Hong Kong SAR
- And others
Other Regions
- Israel
- UAE
- Kuwait
- And many more
Check GOV.UK to confirm if your nationality is eligible for the ETA.
Who Does NOT Need a UK ETA
You do not need an ETA if you:
- Hold a British passport
- Hold an Irish passport
- Already have a valid UK visa
- Have permission to live, work, or study in the UK
- Are a British or Irish dual citizen travelling on that passport
- Have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme
- Are a legal resident of Ireland travelling within the Common Travel Area (from certain nationalities)
UK ETA Requirements for Transit
If you are transiting through the UK:
Landside Transit (Passing Through Border Control)
You need an ETA if you will pass through UK border control, even if you are just connecting to another flight.
Airside Transit (Staying in International Area)
You may not need an ETA if you remain in the international transit area and do not pass through passport control. However, check with your airline to confirm.
Common Reasons for UK ETA Refusal
Your ETA may be refused if:
- You have serious criminal convictions
- You have previous UK immigration violations
- You provided false or misleading information
- You have been deported from the UK
- You are on a security watchlist
- Your passport is flagged as lost or stolen
If your ETA is refused, you cannot appeal. Instead, you can apply for a UK visa, which allows you to present your case in more detail.
Documents to Keep After Approval
After your ETA is approved, keep:
- Your confirmation email with the 16-digit reference number
- A note of your passport number used for the application
- The email address used for the application
While you only need your passport to travel, having these details helps if you need to check your ETA status or contact UKVI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a return ticket to apply for a UK ETA?
No, you do not need to show any travel bookings. The ETA application only requires your passport, photo, and payment.
Can I apply for a UK ETA with a temporary passport?
You can apply with any valid, machine-readable passport. However, temporary or emergency passports may face additional scrutiny.
Do I need travel insurance for a UK ETA?
No, travel insurance is not required for the ETA application. However, it is strongly recommended for your actual trip.
What if my passport details change after I get an ETA?
If your passport details change (new passport, name change), your ETA is no longer valid. You must apply for a new ETA with your updated passport.
Can I apply for a UK ETA with a criminal record?
You can apply, but you must disclose your criminal history. Depending on the severity, your application may be refused. Serious convictions typically result in refusal.
