Help

Find more info about how to answer each question below:

Select your nationality from the dropdown list. This information is used to determine the visa requirements and applicable fees.

Select the type of visa you're applying for. The various types include different durations and entry types. Make sure to choose the one that matches your travel plans.

Please select the date you will be arriving at your destination. This date will help us determine the validity period of your visa.

Enter your first name and middle name exactly as they appear in your passport, using letters A-Z.

Enter your last name exactly as it appears in your passport, using letters A-Z. If you don't have a last name, enter "N/A."

Select your date of birth from the dropdown menus. Make sure this matches the date of birth listed in your passport.

Enter your email address. We'll use this to send you updates about your application. You won't be enrolled in any promotional messages unless you click the checkbox below.

Select the nationality as it appears on your passport. This must match the nationality on the passport you're using for this application.

Check this box if you want to skip entering your passport information at this moment. You'll need to provide this information later to complete your application.

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Help Center

Comprehensive guidance and practical tips to help you navigate every aspect of your UK ETA application with confidence.

ETA Application Guidance

Completing your UK ETA application requires attention to detail and accurate information. Before you begin, gather all necessary documents—primarily your valid passport—and ensure you have a clear understanding of your travel dates and purpose. The application consists of five structured stages, each designed to collect specific categories of information needed for your authorisation review.

Begin by entering your personal details exactly as they appear in your travel document. Discrepancies between your application and your passport—even minor spelling variations—can cause delays or complications. Take your time with each section and use the review stage to verify every entry before final submission.

After submission, your application enters the verification queue. Most decisions are delivered within hours, though some applications may require extended review. You will receive email notifications at each significant stage, and you can also monitor progress through the status tracking feature using your unique reference number.

Passport Requirements in Detail

Your passport is the foundational document for your UK ETA application. It must be a machine-readable travel document issued by the government of your country of nationality. Handwritten or non-standard passports are not compatible with the electronic verification systems used in ETA processing.

Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity remaining beyond your planned departure date from the United Kingdom
The biographical data page must be legible, undamaged, and free from unauthorised markings or alterations
If you hold dual nationality, apply using the passport you intend to present at UK border control
Emergency or temporary travel documents are generally not accepted for ETA applications
Keep a digital copy of your passport biographical page in a secure location for your records during travel

Travel Preparation Tips

Proper preparation before your UK journey ensures a smoother experience from departure to arrival. Beyond securing your ETA, consider the following practical recommendations:

Apply Early

Submit your ETA application at least 72 hours before your travel date. While most applications are processed quickly, early submission provides a comfortable buffer for any unexpected delays.

Verify Flight Requirements

Airlines check your ETA status before allowing you to board UK-bound flights. Having your authorisation confirmed well in advance prevents last-minute disruptions at the airport.

Prepare Supporting Documents

While the ETA is digital, border officials may ask about your accommodation arrangements, return travel plans, or purpose of visit. Having this information readily accessible is helpful.

Check Passport Validity

Confirm your passport meets the minimum validity requirements before booking travel. Renewing a passport after obtaining an ETA means you will need to apply for a new authorisation.

Save Your Reference Number

Your application reference number is essential for tracking your ETA status and for any support enquiries. Store it securely in multiple locations including your email and phone.

Review Entry Conditions

Familiarise yourself with the UK's general entry conditions including any health-related requirements, customs declarations, or seasonal travel advisories that may affect your journey.

Troubleshooting Application Issues

If you encounter difficulties during your ETA application, the following guidance addresses the most commonly reported issues:

Form fields not accepting my passport number

Ensure you are entering your passport number exactly as it appears on your document, including any leading zeros or letters. Do not include spaces or special characters unless they are part of the actual number.

Unable to select my nationality from the dropdown

The nationality list includes only countries currently eligible for the UK ETA programme. If your country does not appear, you may need to explore visa options instead. Visit our eligibility page for the complete list.

Application appears stuck or unresponsive

Try refreshing your browser, clearing your cache, or switching to a different browser. Ensure your internet connection is stable. If the issue persists, contact our support team with your reference number.

Did not receive a confirmation email

Check your spam or junk email folders first. Ensure the email address you provided during application is correct. If you still cannot locate the confirmation, use the status tracking feature with your reference number or contact support.

Need to correct information after submission

Once an application has been submitted, critical fields such as passport details cannot be modified. If you need to correct essential information, you may need to submit a new application with accurate details.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learning from common errors made by other applicants can help you submit a clean, accurate application on your first attempt:

Entering your name differently from how it appears on your passport (including middle names or name order)
Using an expired or soon-to-expire passport for your application
Waiting until the last minute to apply, leaving no buffer for potential processing delays
Providing an incorrect email address, preventing you from receiving status updates and confirmations
Applying with passport details that belong to an old or replaced travel document
Selecting the wrong travel purpose category, which may affect the review of your application

Need Further Assistance?

Our support team is available to help with any questions not covered in this guide.