Updated: How to Apply for a UK ETA
A UK ETA is required for all non-UK citizens traveling to England, Scotland, Wales, and/or Northern Ireland.
Fine Print: This guide is meant to familiarize you with the UK ETA application process. Wingback Travel assumes no responsibility for UK ETA applications. It is the full responsibility of the traveler to ensure that their application is completed correctly and approved prior to their departure. The information presented here is based on our experience completing the process. We are not responsible for the accuracy of the information presented here. Processes change, rules change.
Always check the official UK ETA website for the most up to date and accurate information.
Why Do I Have to Do This?
Effective January 8, 2025 all travelers to the UK (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland), are required to apply for and receive an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization).
First things first: this is NOT a visa. The UK is now requiring travelers who do not need a visa to enter the UK (ie Americans, Canadians, etc) to obtain pre-approval before they depart their home country. For over a decade, the US has required British and European travelers to do the same when they visit the United States. In short, the UK is now screening departures prior to their departure instead of after their arrival.
The ETA has sped up the arrival process after you land. You might have read some dramatic headlines about this process (there were a few days in 2026 when the application system was not functioning fully). Yes, it is an additional burden for travelers, but it is not one that you need to stress about. Most applicants (myself included) cannot get their phone to read their passport’s chip. But that is okay - after several tries you are able to skip that step and move along.
Update: we have now had travelers from multiple tours apply for their ETAs prior to departure and the process has been seamless for everyone. We have also observed over the last year that arrival into the UK, particularly at London’s Heathrow and Gatwick airports, has been seamless. Lines at immigration are short to non-existent. When travelers arrive, you scan your passport at the automatic machine, it takes your picture, and you are good to go. And the machines actually work, unlike the glitchy ones in the EU!
TIMING
Application Process: Allow 10-20 minutes
It took Laura 12 minutes, but most of that time was spent trying to scan her passport’s chip, to no avail (more on that below).
Approval: 3 days maximum
Officially, it might take up to three days to receive in an email saying your application has been approved. In our experience, travelers have received an approval email less than 10 minutes after completing the application.
Recommendation: Apply at least one week before your departure.
You can apply as far in advance as you wish, but we recommend a minimum of one week in case the online application has glitches.
Yes, if you forget you can apply at the airport before your flight departs.
Normally the application takes ten minutes and another few minutes to get the approval. So yes, if you arrive at the airport and forgot the get your ETA (or if you got a new passport after you applied for an earlier ETA), there is still a very good chance of successfully completing the process.
Update: In May 2026, Ross and Laura were at the Gare du Nord train station taking the Eurostar from Paris to London. Ross remembered that he had gotten a new passport since he last applied for an ETA. Typically, your ETA is valid for two year. However, when you get a new passport, you also need to apply for another ETA. Luckily we arrived at the station plenty early and Ross was able to successfully complete the application and get the approval in less than 20 minutes.
You do not need to pay a service to do this for you.
The UK ETA process is easy and straightforward. It is just more hassle and fuss to have someone do this for you.
IMPORTANT!
Once approved, your UK ETA is valid for two years. Meaning you do not have to go through this process again for any travel you take to the UK in the next two years.
You UK ETA is linked to your passport number:
If you get a new passport —> you will need to reapply.
If you need to renew your passport before your trip —> renew your passport first, then apply for the UK ETA once you have received your new passport.
THE APPLICATION
Step 1. Gather What You Need to Apply
Your Phone
Your Passport
A credit card (or Apple Pay on your phone)
Step 2. Download the App
Go to the App Store on your phone and download the UK ETA app.
Step 3. Begin the Application and Follow the Prompts.
Enter your email address. You will be asked to verify it with a code emailed to you.
Enter your phone number.
Take a photo of your passport’s photo page.
The most challenging step: finding your passport’s chip. Remove any coverings and cases from your phone and your passport. Put your phone on top of the back of your passport and move it to find the chip.
This is the step where most people have trouble. But you do not need to stress about this step!
Laura was unable to complete this step (I tried everything!) and after several attempts it allowed her to Skip and move along. I was not asked to provide additional information.
The next two steps involve capturing your face.
First, you will be asked to hold the phone up like you are taking a selfie while the app does a black and white scan (it’s not going to look like you are taking a picture, that is ok).
Second, it will ask you to go to a well-lit area against a blank wall and take essentially take a selfie.
Enter your address.
Next, you will be asked several questions:
Are you employed?
Do you have any criminal convictions?
Are you a terrorist?
Lastly, you will be asked to pay the fee, which you can do in dollars. I used Apply Pay.
Then you’re done! You will get an email saying your application was submitted and a second email when your application has been approved.
You do not need to print or do anything with your confirmation. Your ETA is now electronically linked to your passport and you’re ready to travel!
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Technically yes, there are services out there who will collect a large fee to do this application on your behalf.
However, by the time you use them it’s honestly faster just to do it yourself.
The application requires a face scan and a selfie. The easiest way to do these two things are by using your own phone. Otherwise you will have to go somewhere to have your picture taken, upload it, and then go somewhere else to do your face scan. That is even more fuss than the application itself.
In addition, if someone completes the application for you both of you will be required to fill out and sign an additional form.
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No, you can also apply on their website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta#apply-for-an-eta
However, it is easier to use the app. If you use the website, you will have to upload pictures of yourself. If you use the app, you can simply take a selfie.
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If you do not complete the UK ETA prior to your departure, you will be denied boarding at your point of departure to the UK.
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Yes, you need to complete a UK ETA for travel to Northern Ireland. If you are entering and departing Northern Ireland by car from Ireland it is unlikely that your ETA will be checked. However you must complete the process to remain in compliance with the law.
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Ireland is part of the European Union (EU), not the United Kingdom (UK). The UK ETA does not apply to travel to the EU, and thus not to Ireland.
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Per the official website: Those transiting through Heathrow and Manchester airports who do not go through UK passport control do not currently need an ETA.
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No, your ETA is electronically linked to your passport number. There is nothing to print or to show.