Get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to visit the UK

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Apply for an ETA

It costs £16 to apply online or through the UK ETA app. You cannot get a refund after you apply.

You cannot get a faster decision by applying through another website or app.

You’ll need:

  • the passport you’ll travel with
  • an email address
  • a credit card, debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay

When you apply, you’ll need to upload or take photos of the face of the person applying.

Applying for someone else

You can apply for someone else’s ETA on the UK ETA app if they’re with you.

If the person you’re applying for is not with you, you must apply for their ETA online.

You’ll need a photo of their passport and a photo of their face.

Apply on the UK ETA app

You’ll need to use your phone’s camera to scan your passport and your face.

Download the UK ETA app on:

If you cannot download the app on your phone, you should apply online.

Apply online

You’ll need a photo of:

  • the passport
  • the face of the person applying

Start now

After you apply

You’ll get a decision by email from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), usually within a day. The email will contain your 16 digit ETA reference number.

Contact UKVI if you haven’t had a decision after 3 working days.

You may get decisions at different times to other people you applied for.

Your ETA will be linked to the passport you applied with. You only need to show your passport when you travel to the UK.

How long it lasts

An ETA lasts for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever is sooner. You can travel to the UK as many times as you want while you have an ETA.

Get help

You can:

View a printable version of the whole guide

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