Complete guides to the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation — who needs it, how to apply, costs, processing times and what to do if your application is refused.
A UK ETA must be refused for a custodial or suspended sentence of 12 months or more, and for any criminal conviction unless more than 12 months have passed since the date of conviction. Other suitability grounds can also lead to refusal.
A UK ETA can be refused for criminal convictions, but the rules depend on the sentence, how long ago it was, and other suitability grounds. This guide explains the current refusal rules and when a Standard Visitor visa may be the better route.
You can apply for a UK ETA on Android, but your phone needs Android 12 or later, NFC, and at least 165MB of free storage. This guide explains the requirements, how to scan your passport, and what to do if the app won't install.
A UK ETA allows short-term study for up to 6 months, but it does not permit long courses, work placements, or living in the UK. This guide explains what you can and cannot do, when you need a Student visa instead, and how to apply.
Whether you need a UK ETA for a layover depends on whether you pass through border control. Airside transit is exempt, but landside transit requires an ETA for eligible nationals.
If the UK ETA app will not download, open or scan your passport, you can usually fix the problem by checking compatibility, storage, NFC and camera access — or switch to the online application. This guide explains both routes and what to do before you travel.
You can apply for someone else's UK ETA on the UK ETA app only if they are with you. This step-by-step guide explains the app process, face scanning, child rules and what to do when the person is not present.
The UK ETA form takes about 10–15 minutes to fill in, but the decision officially takes up to 3 working days. Here's how both clocks work, and exactly when to apply before you fly.
Canadian passport holders usually need a UK ETA for short visits. Check dual citizenship, existing permission, family applications and airside transit first.
A US visa does not replace UK visitor permission. Check nationality, existing UK status and the separate rules for airside or landside transit.
Check a pending UK ETA decision by email, or use GOV.UK to check an existing ETA and expiry. Learn the distinction, official support route and passport-change rules.
The official UK ETA application fee is GBP 20. Check exemptions, family totals, payment currency, refunds and when another application is actually needed.