How to Share Your UK eVisa Status: A Complete Guide for 2026

If you’ve applied for your UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), you’ll probably want to share your approval status with your employer, travel agent, or family members. The good news? Sharing your UK eVisa status is straightforward once you understand the process. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to do it, what information you can share, and the best practices to keep your application secure.

What Is the UK eVisa Share Code?

The UK eVisa share code (sometimes called a “unique reference number” or “share reference”) is a special code generated by the UK Home Office when your ETA is approved. This code allows you to share your eVisa status with others without revealing your full passport details or sensitive personal information.

Think of it this way: instead of handing someone a screenshot of your entire application or passport information, you provide a simple alphanumeric code. The recipient can then enter this code into the UK ETA portal to verify your travel status. It’s secure, simple, and keeps your personal data private.

Why use a share code instead of sharing your full approval letter? Security, primarily. Your full ETA approval contains sensitive information tied to your passport, biometrics, and personal details. The share code is a temporary, limited-access token that shows only your travel eligibility status.

Step-by-Step: How to Find and Share Your UK eVisa Status Code

Step 1: Log Into Your UK ETA Account

Navigate to the official UK ETA portal at apply.etauk.co.uk (or via GOV.UK). Enter your login credentials-the email address and password you used when applying for your ETA.

Once logged in, you’ll see your application dashboard. If your ETA has been approved, you’ll see a green tick or “Approved” status next to your application.

Step 2: Access Your Approval Details

Click on your approved ETA application to open the full details page. You’ll see:

• Your personal information (name, passport number)
• Your travel eligibility status
• Validity dates (your ETA is typically valid for 2 years or the length of your passport, whichever is shorter)
• A “Share Status” or “Generate Share Code” button

This button is key-it’s what generates your shareable code.

Step 3: Generate Your Share Code

Click the “Share Status” or “Generate Share Code” button. The system will create a unique alphanumeric code (usually 8-12 characters). This code is single-use or limited-use, depending on UK Home Office policy.

You’ll be asked to confirm:

• Who you’re sharing the code with (optional but recommended)
• Whether you want to set an expiration date for the code’s validity

After confirmation, your share code is generated and ready to distribute.

Step 4: Share the Code Safely

Copy your share code and send it to the person who needs it. Common recipients include:

• Your employer (for visa sponsorship verification)
• Your travel agent or flight booking company
• UK immigration officials (if requested)
• Family members planning your trip together

Use secure methods to share it: email is fine, but avoid sharing it publicly on social media or in unencrypted messaging apps if you’re concerned about privacy.

Step 5: The Recipient Verifies Your Status

The person receiving your share code can visit the UK ETA portal and select “Verify a Shared Status” or a similar option. They’ll enter your share code, and the system will confirm your ETA approval without showing your full personal details.

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What Information Does Your Share Code Reveal?

When someone uses your share code to verify your status, they’ll see:

• ✓ Your full name
• ✓ Your nationality
• ✓ Your ETA approval status (approved, pending, or rejected)
• ✓ Your ETA validity dates (from approval date to expiry)
• ✓ Your permitted activities in the UK (typically “visitor” or “business visitor”)

What they WON’T see:

• ✗ Your passport number (usually masked or hidden)
• ✗ Your date of birth
• ✗ Your biometric data
• ✗ Your home address
• ✗ Your payment information

This limited disclosure is exactly why the share code is safer than sharing your full approval letter.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid When Sharing Your eVisa Status

❌ Mistake 1: Sharing Your Full Approval PDF or Screenshot

Resist the urge to screenshot your entire approval page or download the full PDF. This contains far more personal information than necessary. Stick to the share code instead.

❌ Mistake 2: Sharing Your Code Publicly

Don’t post your share code on social media, forums, or public websites. Even though it’s limited-use, it’s still tied to your identity and could be misused.

❌ Mistake 3: Forgetting to Set an Expiration Date

When you generate your share code, set an expiration date if the system allows it. This ensures that anyone who received the code can only use it within a specific timeframe, reducing the risk of misuse.

❌ Mistake 4: Not Keeping Your Login Credentials Secure

Your UK ETA account is protected by your email and password. Use a strong, unique password-don’t reuse passwords from other sites. If your account is compromised, someone could generate unauthorized share codes.

❌ Mistake 5: Assuming Your Share Code Expires Automatically

Check the UK Home Office guidelines or your account settings to confirm how long your share code remains valid. Some codes may stay active until your ETA expires; others may have a shorter validity window. When in doubt, generate a fresh code.

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Who Might Ask for Your UK eVisa Share Code?

Your Employer

If you’re a non-UK resident hired by a UK company, your employer may ask for your share code to verify your right to work or travel. This is standard for visa sponsorship or secondment arrangements.

Your Travel Agent

Reputable travel agents sometimes request verification that you have valid travel documentation. Providing your share code (rather than your full approval) is a secure way to prove you’re eligible to enter the UK.

Airlines or Booking Platforms

Some airlines and online travel platforms check your travel eligibility before allowing you to book flights. They may request your share code to confirm your UK entry status.

Your University or College

If you’re an international student, your institution might ask for confirmation that you have valid travel authorisation. A share code verification is perfect for this.

UK Immigration Officials

Border Force or UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) staff may ask you to verify your ETA status. You can provide your share code, though they may also request additional documentation depending on the circumstances.

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What If Your Share Code Isn’t Working?

If someone tries to use your share code and encounters an error, here are the most common causes and fixes:

Issue: “Code Expired”

Cause: Your share code has exceeded its validity period (typically 30-90 days, depending on when it was generated).

Fix: Log into your UK ETA account and generate a new share code. Share the fresh code with the person who needs it.

Issue: “Invalid Code Format”

Cause: The recipient may have typed the code incorrectly (e.g., missed a character, used a zero instead of the letter O).

Fix: Copy and paste the code directly from your account rather than typing it manually. This eliminates typos.

Issue: “This Application Was Not Found”

Cause: The share code was generated from a different ETA application (if you’ve applied multiple times) or the code doesn’t match any UK Home Office records.

Fix: Verify you’re using the correct ETA application. If you’ve applied multiple times, ensure you’re generating a code from your approved application, not a rejected or pending one.

Issue: “You Don’t Have Permission to View This Status”

Cause: The recipient’s device or IP address may be restricted by the UK Home Office system for security reasons (rare but possible).

Fix: Try accessing the verification page from a different device or network. If the problem persists, contact the UK Home Office helpline.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Sharing Your UK eVisa Status

Q: Can I share my UK eVisa status with multiple people?

A: Yes. You can generate multiple share codes from your account, each for a different person. Each code is independent, so you can track who you’ve shared your status with if needed.

Q: Is sharing my eVisa status code safe?

A: Yes, share codes are specifically designed for safe, limited sharing. They reveal only your travel eligibility, not sensitive personal data. That said, avoid sharing with untrusted sources.

Q: What’s the difference between a share code and a reference number?

A: The reference number is assigned to your application when you first submit it. The share code is generated only after approval (or sometimes after payment) and is specifically for sharing. They’re different codes.

Q: Can I revoke a share code once I’ve sent it?

A: Most UK Home Office systems don’t allow direct revocation, but you can set an expiration date when generating the code, or you can contact UK Home Office support to request removal if you believe the code was shared inappropriately.

Q: How long does my share code remain valid?

A: This depends on your UK ETA validity. Generally, share codes remain valid as long as your underlying ETA is valid (up to 2 years). However, the UK Home Office may set shorter validity windows. Check your account or contact support for specifics.

Q: What if my ETA gets rejected-does my share code still work?

A: No. If your ETA is rejected, any share codes you generated become invalid. The recipient will see a “rejected” or “not approved” status instead of approval confirmation.

Q: Can I generate a share code if my ETA is still pending?

A: Typically, no. Share codes are generated only for approved applications. If your ETA is pending, you’ll need to wait for a decision before generating a share code.

Q: Is my share code the same for every person I share it with?

A: No. Each time you generate a share code, the system creates a unique code, even if it’s revealing the same underlying approval status. This adds an extra layer of security.

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Best Practices for Sharing Your UK eVisa Status in 2026

1. Use Share Codes, Not Full Documents

Always prioritize share codes over sharing your full approval letter or screenshot. It’s safer, more professional, and what UK authorities expect.

2. Keep Your Account Credentials Private

Never give anyone your UK ETA login details. If someone asks for direct access to your account, they’re asking for something they shouldn’t need. Always use the share code instead.

3. Generate Fresh Codes for New Recipients

If multiple people need to verify your status, generate a separate code for each. It keeps records clear and allows you to track who you’ve shared your information with.

4. Confirm Receipt and Deletion

After sharing your code with an employer, agent, or institution, follow up to confirm they’ve successfully verified your status. Then ask them to delete the code from their records once verification is complete.

5. Monitor Your Account for Unusual Activity

Periodically log into your UK ETA account and review any generated codes or access logs. If you see unexpected activity, contact UK Home Office support immediately.

6. Use Email or Secure Messaging, Not Social Media

Send your share code via direct email or secure messaging platforms-never post it publicly or share it via unencrypted channels.

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What Happens After Your Recipient Verifies Your Status?

Once someone uses your share code to verify your approval, they’ll typically see a confirmation page. They might:

• Screenshot or download a verification letter showing your approved status
• Take a screenshot for their records
• Proceed with booking your flight, employment contract, or accommodation
• Submit the verification to UK immigration authorities if required

From your end, verification is complete. You’ve successfully proved your eligibility without exposing your personal data. The recipient has what they need, and you retain full control over your information.

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Troubleshooting: Still Having Issues?

If you’ve tried the solutions above and your share code still isn’t working, here’s what to do:

Contact UK Home Office Support

Visit the official UK ETA website or GOV.UK and look for the “Contact Us” section. Explain your issue clearly and provide:

• Your full name
• Your passport number
• Your application reference number (NOT your share code-that’s sensitive)
• A detailed description of the problem

Response times are typically 5-10 working days.

Check Your Email for Support Resources

The UK Home Office may send you helpful guides or FAQs via email. Check your inbox and spam folder for any recent communications about ETA status sharing.

Consult Your Travel Agent or Employer

If they’re the ones experiencing the issue, ask them to try again with a fresh code. Sometimes technical glitches resolve themselves within hours.

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Legal Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) policies and procedures are subject to change. Information current as of January 2026. The UK Home Office retains the right to update ETA requirements, share code procedures, and data protection policies at any time without notice. For the most up-to-date information, always refer to the official UK Government website (GOV.UK) or the UK ETA portal (apply.etauk.co.uk). If you have specific legal or immigration concerns, consult a qualified immigration solicitor or advisor.