How to Apply for Someone Else's UK ETA on the App: A Step-by-Step Guide

Helping a family member, friend or child apply for a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) can feel confusing because the rules change depending on whether the person is physically beside you and how old they are. This guide explains exactly when the UK ETA app can be used for another person, what you will need, and how the process works step by step.

This is independent general guidance, not a government service. Before you travel or help someone else apply, check the official GOV.UK ETA application page to confirm the current requirements.

When You Can Use the App for Another Person

The key rule is simple: you can apply for someone else's ETA on the UK ETA app if they're with you.

The app is designed to scan the passport and the face of the person applying. Because of this, the app route only works when that person is there with you. If they are somewhere else, the app is not the correct method.

Before you start, make sure you have everything the app process requires.

You should also check that your phone can run the app. The 'UK ETA' app is available for iPhone 7 and newer models.

If you are unsure whether the person you are helping actually needs an ETA, read our guide on who needs a UK ETA. Not everyone needs an ETA to travel to the UK. For example, British or Irish citizens do not need one, and neither do people travelling with a British National (Overseas) passport or a British overseas territories citizen passport.

The Difference Between Applying for Someone With You vs. Online

There are two official ways to apply for a UK ETA: the UK ETA app and the online form. The method you choose depends on whether the person applying is with you.

Applying when the person is with you

If you are with the person you want to apply for, you can use the app. You will need to take a photo of them and scan their face.

This route is often the most convenient for families travelling together, because one person can handle the technical steps while the applicant simply stands or sits nearby for the photo and face scan.

Applying when the person is not with you

To apply online you'll need a photo of their passport and a photo of their face.

To apply for someone who is not with you, apply online.

Whichever route you use, an ETA application must be made in accordance with the application process on the gov.uk website using either the mobile application 'UK ETA' or the specified online form 'Apply for an ETA to come to the UK'.

Step-by-Step: Scanning Their Passport and Face

This section walks through the app process when the person you are helping is with you. Each step is one part of the same application, so it is worth reading through before you begin.

Step 1: Download the UK ETA app

Download the official 'UK ETA' app from your phone's app store. The app is used to apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to travel to the UK, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man. Make sure you are using the genuine app linked from GOV.UK, not a third-party service.

Step 2: Check your phone and camera

Allow camera access when prompted. You should also remove any cases or covers from your passport and phone before scanning.

This helps the app read the passport clearly.

Step 3: Have the original passport ready

You must take a photo of the same original passport you will use to travel to the UK, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man. If your passport has the biometric symbol on the cover, it can be scanned by the app.

Step 4: Scan the passport

Follow the app's instructions to scan the passport using your phone's camera. On the UK ETA app you'll need to use your phone's camera to scan your passport and your face. In this case, you are scanning the passport of the person you are helping.

Step 5: Take a photo of the person's face

The app will guide you on framing, lighting and positioning. You must follow the rules for digital photos of faces.

Step 6: Scan their face if required

The person should look at the camera and follow the on-screen prompts.

Step 7: Enter the applicant's details

The app will ask for the personal and travel details of the person applying. Enter these accurately using the information in their passport.

Step 8: Pay the fee

An ETA costs £20 to apply for. For example, four applications cost £80.

You can pay using a credit card, debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay.

For a fuller breakdown of what you will pay, see our guide on how much does a UK ETA cost.

Step 9: Submit and wait for the decision

Once you have checked the details and paid, submit the application. The decision will be sent to the email address you provided. You only need to show your passport when you travel to the UK.

You can delete the app after you finish applying.

If you have problems using the app, you can apply online instead.

Special Rules for Children Aged 9 and Under

Children follow a slightly different process on the app.

However, you still need to take a photo of their face. The photo must meet the digital photo rules, because a poor photo can delay or lead to rejection of the application.

Children aged 10 or older do need a face scan. This applies even when a parent or guardian is completing the application on their behalf.

If you are under 18 and applying for yourself, you need to give contact details for someone who has parental responsibility for you. When a parent applies for a child, the same parental responsibility details are part of the application.

What to Do If the Person Is Not With You

The photos must meet the digital photo rules. You should ask the person to send you clear, recent photos that follow the official guidance on lighting, background and facial expression.

The online application follows the same core requirements as the app. You will also need their personal details, travel plans and a payment method.

When you apply, you'll need to upload or take photos of the face of the person applying. If the photo does not meet the rules, the application may be delayed or rejected, so it is worth checking the photo guidance carefully before submitting.

If the person is not with you, do not attempt to use the app. To apply for someone who is not with you, apply online.

If you are gathering documents before starting, review our checklist of UK ETA application requirements so you have everything ready before you begin.

What Happens After You Apply

After you submit the application, the decision is sent by email. You cannot use the online check service if you recently applied for an ETA and have not received one yet. You can check online if you have an ETA and when your ETA expires.

An ETA lasts for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever is sooner. Your ETA will be linked to the passport you applied with. If your passport has expired or changed, you need to apply for a new ETA.

You can travel to the UK as many times as you want while you have an ETA. However, an ETA does not guarantee entry to the UK.

An ETA gives permission to come to the UK as a tourist, to visit family or for certain other reasons for up to 6 months. You cannot stay in the UK for longer than 6 months with an ETA. You cannot live in the UK through frequent or successive visits with an ETA.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Several errors can slow down an application or lead to rejection. The most common issues relate to photos and using the wrong application route.

• Using the app when the person is not with you.
• Photographing a photocopy of the passport.
• Leaving a case on the phone or passport.
• Using a poor face photo.
• Paying through an unofficial website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for someone else's ETA on the app if they are not with me?

No.

Do I need to scan a child's face on the app?

What do I need before using the app for someone else?

Does an ETA guarantee entry to the UK?

No. An ETA does not guarantee entry to the UK.

Official sources checked

• GOV.UK: apply for an ETA
• GOV.UK: using the UK ETA app
• GOV.UK: check your ETA
• GOV.UK: when you do not need an ETA
• GOV.UK: Immigration Rules, Appendix ETA
• GOV.UK: Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
• GOV.UK: what you can and cannot do with an ETA

The facts in this guide were last compared with these official pages on 19 October 2026. Check the current page before you apply or pay.