UK ETA FAQ

A. The UK ETA is an electronic travel authorisation system for UK visitors. Citizens of specific visa-exempt countries must obtain online travel permission before visiting the UK without a visa.

A. Only citizens of visa-exempt countries can apply for a UK ETA. Citizens from 84 eligible countries can apply. However, UK residents who are foreign nationals or citizens of non-exempt countries cannot apply.

A. UK ETA applications are completed online.

1. Click "Apply for ETA" on the UK ETA website

2. Enter personal and passport information

3. Enter travel purpose and itinerary

4. Submit application after payment

5. Receive electronic approval via email (no printing required)

A. No document submission is required for a UK ETA application. However, you must accurately enter your passport information and travel plans.

A. The ETA application fee is more affordable than a UK tourist visa. The exact amount can be found on the UK government website, and payment can be made by credit or debit card.

A. UK ETAs are typically approved instantly or within minutes. You can receive an electronic approval email within minutes of submission.

A. A UK ETA does not guarantee entry. Final approval from an immigration officer is required upon arrival in the UK, and entry may be refused based on the assessment.

A. A UK ETA allows stays of up to 6 months per visit and permits multiple entries.

A. Once an ETA is approved, cancellation and modification are not possible. If your travel plans change, you will need to apply for a new ETA.

A. Yes, ETA applications can be denied. Common reasons for denial include incorrect information, expired passport, travel purpose mismatch, and previous immigration issues. Please ensure all information is accurate when applying.

A. If your UK ETA is denied or you are ineligible for an ETA, you can apply for a separate UK tourist visa. Tourist visas require more complex procedures and document submissions, and processing times may be longer.

A. There is no specific validity requirement for the ETA application itself, but at least 6 months of passport validity is recommended when entering the UK.

If your passport is close to expiring, it may cause issues at immigration even with an approved ETA. We recommend renewing your passport before applying.

A. The ETA is issued in electronic format (digital approval). Once approved, you will receive confirmation via email.

No physical document needs to be printed — it is electronically linked to airline and UK border systems.

A. Some application steps may require a selfie photo upload.

Smartphone photos are acceptable and do not need to match exact passport photo specifications. However, please ensure your face is clearly visible.

A. If you experience technical errors such as payment failures or page loading issues, try the following:

1) Switch to a different browser
2) Check your internet connection
3) Wait a few hours and try again

If these steps don't resolve the issue, contact the UK ETA official support channel.

A. Yes. You can apply for an ETA by entering your planned travel dates (estimated schedule) even without a confirmed flight ticket.

However, if your travel plans change significantly, you may need to apply for a new ETA.

A. An ETA is an electronic authorisation linked to your passport number.

If you get a new passport, your existing ETA becomes invalid, and you must apply for a new ETA with your new passport details.

A. No. An ETA is an electronic travel authorisation for tourism and short-term visits only.

For employment, study, long-term stays, or business activities in the UK, you must obtain the appropriate visa (Work/Student, etc.) separately.

A. If you are transiting through a UK airport, you may need an ETA.

This is especially true if you need to pass through immigration or collect and re-check luggage.

However, exceptions may apply depending on the type of transit (airside/landside). Please check with your airline or UK government guidance.

A. Yes. All travellers, including infants and children, must have their own ETA regardless of age.

However, a parent or guardian may complete the application on behalf of a minor.

A. A UK ETA is generally valid for 2 years, allowing multiple entries during this period.

However, if your passport expires before the ETA, the ETA expires simultaneously with the passport. You must apply for a new ETA after obtaining a new passport.

A. A UK ETA is an electronic travel authorisation for citizens of visa-exempt countries, issued through a simple online application.

A UK tourist visa requires visa assessment, document submission, and potentially in-person procedures, with longer processing times.

A. Yes. The name entered on your UK ETA application must match the name on your passport exactly in spelling and order.

Typos may lead to rejection or immigration issues. Please verify against your passport entry before submitting.

A. First, check your spam/junk mail folder.

If still not received, verify the email address you entered during application. Since the ETA is electronically linked to your passport, approval status can be confirmed through the system.

A. Yes. You can apply for a UK ETA personally or through a visa agency.

Please note that using an agency may incur additional service fees.

A. Some application steps may require basic information about your current occupation or status.

This is for security and immigration reference purposes. Generally, detailed supporting documents are not required.

A. A UK ETA only permits entry to the UK.

To visit other European countries (Schengen area, etc.), you must meet the visa or visa-free requirements of those countries separately.

A. If a charge appears after a failed payment, it is usually a temporary hold that will be automatically reversed.

If the refund is not processed within a few days, please contact your card issuer or payment provider.

A. No. UK ETAs must be applied for individually.

Even for family or group travel, each traveller must obtain their own separate ETA.

A. Approval status is typically communicated via email, with no physical printout provided.

Airlines and UK immigration systems automatically verify your ETA using your passport information.

A. Yes. Enter your current residential address on the UK ETA application.

If a UK accommodation address is required, follow the on-screen instructions to provide it.

A. A UK ETA does not guarantee access to medical services.

Medical costs in the UK can be very expensive, so travel insurance is strongly recommended.

A. Changes within the scope of tourism or short-term visits are generally not a problem.

However, if your purpose changes to employment, study, or long-term stay, an ETA will not be sufficient for entry.

A. Criminal history, immigration violations, or security-related issues may result in ETA rejection.

All questions must be answered truthfully. Providing false information may adversely affect future entry applications.

A. UK ETA applications can be completed on any device with internet access — smartphone, tablet, or PC.

However, a smartphone may be more convenient for the photo capture step.

A. The application process is conducted in English, but it consists of relatively simple questions.

If English is challenging, you may consider using a visa application support service.

A. If you entered the UK with an ETA, extending your stay is generally not possible.

For a longer stay, you must leave the UK and apply for an appropriate UK visa.

A. No. A UK ETA is limited to tourism and short-term visits with restricted business activity scope.

For more formal commercial activities, a separate UK visa may be required.

A. You can reapply, but submitting the same information is likely to result in another rejection.

Identify the reason for rejection, make corrections, or consider applying for a tourist visa instead.

A. Most applications are approved instantly, but to prepare for unexpected errors or additional verification, it is safe to complete your UK ETA application at least 2-3 days before departure.

During peak seasons or system maintenance, variables may arise, so applying as early as possible is recommended.

A. A UK ETA is not approved automatically. It may be refused if the application details do not match your actual passport information, if you have a history of breaching UK or other countries' immigration rules, if false information was provided, or if there are issues related to security screening.

A. If your ETA was refused or you entered incorrect details, you can complete and submit a new application. When reapplying, it is important to accurately correct the errors from your previous application before submitting.

A. Most applications are processed relatively quickly, but the processing time may be extended if the UK government requires additional review. Rather than applying just before departure, it is best to apply with plenty of time to spare.

A. The UK government does not officially offer an express review service. However, submitting your application accurately and without errors allows the review to proceed more smoothly.

A. The passport you intend to use to enter the UK must be valid and must not expire during your trip. If your passport is close to its expiry date, it is safer to renew it first and then apply for the ETA.

A. It can depend on the type of transit. An ETA may be required if you pass through UK immigration control or leave the airport, so you should check the latest rules from your airline and the UK government.

A. Even when a family travels together, every traveller must apply for an ETA individually. Both parents and children must each hold an approved ETA to enter the UK.

A. Yes. Every child, including infants, needs their own approved ETA. Even if the parents are approved, each child must apply separately.

A. Please check your spam or promotions folder first. If you still cannot find it, you can contact the issuing authority or customer support to ask about having it resent.

A. After applying, you can check the result via the email address you registered at the time of application, and some application services also provide a status-checking feature.

A. The cost of a UK ETA can vary depending on the government fee and whether you use an application service. It is best to check the total payment amount and what it includes before applying.

A. A UK ETA is valid for a set period from the date of approval, during which you can visit the UK multiple times. However, if your passport changes, you may need to apply again.

A. Yes. You can visit the UK multiple times within the ETA's validity period. However, you must meet UK border control requirements on each entry.

A. General short-term business visits such as attending meetings, visiting exhibitions, or meeting business partners are permitted. However, taking up employment or working in the UK is not allowed.

A. Some short courses or training programmes may be possible. However, long-term study or degree programmes may require a separate student visa.

A. The face photo submitted during the application must be clear and show your entire face distinctly. Photos with hats, sunglasses, or excessive filters may cause problems during the approval process.

A. An ETA is linked to a specific passport. If your passport number changes after approval, your existing ETA can no longer be used, so you must reapply with the new passport.

A. Yes. An ETA is a travel authorisation, not a guarantee of entry. The final decision to admit you is made by a UK Border Force officer.

A. If a national of a country that requires an ETA arrives at the airport without approval, the airline may refuse to check them in. You must confirm your approval before departure.

A. If information such as your name, date of birth, or passport number was entered incorrectly, it can affect approval. If you notice an error, contact customer support as soon as possible or, if necessary, submit a new application.