I am getting ready to apply for ETA

It's similar to taking a passport photo. I don't think it said anything about whether your blouse had to be plain or not, but it wouldn't hurt, and yes, you should have a plain neutral background.

You won't see the chip. It's inside the passport, and you don't take a picture of it. You will take your passport and hold it over the app on the phone when it tells you to.

If it doesn't work at first, and it might not, depending on how old your passport is, then just keep trying. If after four or five tries it still doesn't work, you might just have to enter it manually, which is not a big deal.

the problem I had was, when it was time to take the photo, the button to take the picture was obscured and off the screen. Never quite figured out why.

I ended up using my laptop instead. you just need a nice picture of yourself against a neutral background.

make sure you use the official UK site.

bostonphil7 I believe you're not going on your cruise until fall of 2027, correct? If that is still the case, I would suggest you hold off applying for the ETA until much closer to your departure date. The reason: it's good for two years from the date of approval or until your passport expires. In case you have occasion to go through the UK after your 2027 cruise, you would not need to reapply and pay again if the ETA was still good. The approval process is typically quick, it's not like a passport renewal that can take weeks.

In case you need it, this is the prior thread you asked about ETA. https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/england/eta-question-not-been-asked-yet

Thank you, Mardee

By the way, I m looking to take a week long vacation somewhere in October, land only, and the Twin Cities is high on my list.

I have never been to the northern area of our country. I will visit museums and walk along lakes.

And I get to fly S W non-stop using my rewards!!!

Thank you phred

I am glad to know that laptop is an option, just in case.

But when you are approved, then what. Does a QR code show up on your phone? Or do you get something to print out?

Hello CL

My trip is scheduled for September 2027 so it is is about 16 months away.

I am thinking I might have some difficulties with applying so I want to give it a go, just in case.

If I easily get it approved, I might change my vacation to April or May 2027.

But 16 months goes fast when you are working on a cruise like I will be going on.

Boston Phil, when does your passport expire? Will you still be using the same passport for your UK trip in 2027?

And with regards to the Twin Cities, I think you would really like it. It's a beautiful city, and there's a lot to see and do. Feel free to send me a PM when you decide, and maybe we can meet up. There's a lot of members here on the forum that live in the cities and would be also willing to help you plan an itinerary, I'm sure.

Edit to Add: You should get an email telling you it's been approved, but that's all I got. There's no QR code or anything that shows up anywhere. I was not asked for anything when I went through with my grandchildren, but others have said they were asked. If that happens, just show them the email that you got approving it. Make sure you save it when it comes in, in a separate place, so that you could find it easily.

When I flew from Lisbon to Manchester last November I did not have to provide anything to verify I had an ETA. My assumption is that it is tied to your passport and they can see that you have one that way. England was the last 10 days of an 11 week trip. We left on our trip (we started in Geneva) on 8/31. I applied for and was approved for my ETA on 8/29. I only applied as early as I did because I didn’t want to deal with it while traveling. There’s no reason to get one now for a trip at least a year away.

well I already have an issue

I went to Play Store and attempted to download the government app. I typed in UK ETA and all I get are the third party sites that charge you to assist in applying for the UK ETA

I also tried gov uk and again a similar problem

I have tried several times and have bene very careful but no government app

UPDATE. You need an Android 12 and unfortunately I am Android 11. This is an old phone. I have had it for about 7 years. I do not know if I can update.

I called Spectrum and was told that my Android is 11 and there is no way to upgrade to 12. This is the downside of having an old phone even if it works ok.

Spectrum told me there was an iPad version. I went to my iPad and was informed that the UK ETA was not compatible with my device. it is only compatible with iPhones.

But there are third party sites that will assist me for pay.

I have the same third party sites on my Android as well as my iPad. They appear to be legit.

I am now going to try applying for my ETA on my computer.

These are the reasons that I begin early.

The official app has a little crown emoji. Please, please make sure that’s what you use whether you apply with a phone or a laptop. And such good advice to make sure you won’t be renewing your passport before your trip next year, as the ETA does not transfer to the new passport, and you would have to apply (and pay) again. The ETA is imbedded in your passport, and the only acknowledgment that you will receive is an email stating that your application was approved. I would definitely keep that acknowledgment, although in several trips to the U.K., we’ve never needed to show it. So using our iPhones (I realize that you have an android) the photos were a bit tricky…definitely stand against a neutral wall, no shadows…pay close attention to shoulder “placement”…oh, and don’t smile! It took a few tries for both my husband and me before our photos were acceptable. It really is a smooth process, but the tricky part for you will be your phone…I haven’t any experience with their official website.

I used my laptop to apply for it, and it was very easy.

Hi cathy

my passport is new and will be good for 9 more years

I have tried taking pictures of my passport and it is being rejected. Something about pixels which is beyond me.

I will have to call Apple for support

This is why I begin these things early.

I will not be able to apply with either my Android or my iPad. I m going to have to apply through my computer

Mardee

I am trying but the picture of my passport is being rejected several times now.

I get a message about pixels. I need so many pixels x pixels. This is beyond me

How did you take. a picture of your passport?

I probably am going to have to call Apple

You are probably not going to want t hear this but I think you need to stop doing what you are doing immediately.

One of the things that I have noticed is that when you get into a tailspin about things it usually takes a lot to right things again. In this instance the ETA is not needed for 16 months so perhaps backing off....letting things lie for a bit may be advantageous for you. You won't make any impulsive mistakes like paying thru the nose to get some travel agent to do this for you.

You are also a well-traveled adult so you can make any decision you want to whether or not it is the way I would handle something.

Is there someone who can help you with the application? It really is very straightforward. If you're having trouble, you may benefit from someone else having a go for you.

Re taking a picture of your passport, the following guidance may help:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/using-the-uk-eta-app#take-a-photo-of-the-passport

Boston Phil.
Pam is right on. Take a step back. Perhaps have a trusted friend help you after you have taken a break for a couple of days.

Here are step by step directions from when I applied in November 2024.

Download UK ETA app to your phone
It asks for your email address and then sends a code you need to input.
It asks for your phone number
You take a scan of the ID page in your passport.
It gives you an option of scanning for chip in your passport or skipping and confirming info manually. My phone didn’t pick up the chip so I pressed skip, looked at the info from my passport and confirmed it. Don’t worry if the chip doesn’t scan.. just push skip
You do a biometric scan through your phone
You take an ID picture through your phone. It took 3 tries until I took one that met the requirements, but I did get it!
You input address information
A few questions about employment and criminal convictions
Confirm info is correct
Pay by Apple Pay or credit card. With today’s exchange rate it was $13.08

Thank you everyone for your input

I have the scan symbol on my passport so I may try using the scan but with. my iPad

My Android is not compatible with my macbook so taking pics with my Android may not work

Simon, the info you sent me might be very helpful.

It might be time to buy a new phone even if it is serving my needs. When you can not longer get software updates, ......

And yes, I have other things to focus on but I am glad that I began trying early.

Carol N R

Unfortunately I can not use my phone . There is no UK ETA in Apps. It is an Android 11 and I need Android 12. It is an old phone and I can no longer get software updates.

It might be time for a new phone.

I knew there might be an issue and that is why I have begun very early.

I would recommend using the web site rather than the app, rather than go to the expense of a new phone just for an ETA:

https://apply-for-an-eta.homeoffice.gov.uk/apply/electronic-travel-authorisation/how-to-apply

Once submitted, you'll likely get approval within minutes or hours.

Hi Simon

I have been attempting to use the website several times but the picture of my passport is not being accepted.

I am going to have to work on taking a better picture of my passport.

But my trip is not until September 2027. However since it is a cruise, I have to be paid up by May 2027.

For now, I am taking a break.

I have been thinking of getting a new phone for a bit. Looking to go back to the iPhone.

i have a different type of suggestion.

You might try checking with your local public library or senior center to see if they have "digital navigators" who might be able to help you.

I have received very specific help on very similar issues with my local library in Colorado. I am able to make an appointment to see someone to help with any issue. It is some sort of grant funded program thru (I think) Americorps. One time the helper was a young community college grad and one time it was a retired IT professional trying to be helpful and useful to others.

Great program if your library offers it.

I was going to post the same thing as Emily - check your local library, or senior center. Both should have tech support staff or volunteers who can take you through the whole process. Here in Ann Arbor, several high schools deploy teens to libraries, senior centers and community centers to do exactly this kind of thing. On a side note - congrats on holding on to your phone for 9 years! That's impressive! But sadly, once you can't update it anymore you kinda need to start shopping...

Hi Emily and OrdinaryRebecca

I am much more relaxed today than I was yesterday.

My library used to offer passport services but because of budget cuts, I am not certain they still do. Have to give them a call.

We have ElderCare in my housing but staff is on vacation until after Memorial Day.

We have a Digital Inclusion Office in my building which offers Device & Phone Support.

And I can call Apple. Mybe I can go in and they can help me take a picture of my passport using my iPad.

And I have a couple of friends coming over next week who have newer phones than I do.

When you can no longer get software updates to your devices, it is time for a new one. So it is probably time for me to get a new phone.

I got my ETA on my iPhone, but out of curiosity I checked to see if it was available for my iPad. I did a search for UK ETA and the official app was available to install. I agree with the other people who have recommended that you find someone to help you. You have plenty of time.

There is a special chip reader in newer iPhones, iPads and Androids. If your phone/iPad does not have it then calling Apple won't help. Of the options you listed, your best bet is to wait until next week and ask someone in the technology department of your housing unit to assist.

Hi Andrea

I searched UK ETA for my iPad. Went to the Apple Store. I got a message that it was not available for my device. It gave me a list of devices that it was available for and they were all iPhones.

I have a mini iPad which is about 3 years old and is updated.

Hi Leah

I need help with taking the pictures. I think that I could do the ETA on my computer if I could take the required pictures.

The photo part is just a matter of taking up the full camera lens with the middle page of your passport. It's a double page with your photo on both and they just want a photo of the plastic-y one.

The next step asks you to lay your phone on the inside back cover of the passport to scan the chip. The chip isn't marked on the passport so it's hard to understand what part of your phone is scanning what part of the passport. If your device doesn't have the proper type of scanner inside then it won't work at all.

Hi Leah

My phone will not work. I need to use my iPad and then upload my pics to the website. I can not use an app.

I have been reading articles on how to take the pics. Made no attempts yesterday but plan to try again this weekend.

From the articles that I have been reading, thousands of persons have been having problems taking the pics and uploading them. You do not hear about these persons. Apparently no one on forum has had difficulty like I have had but I have been doing my homework. I feel challenged and am getting ready to try again.

Just wait until the staff is back after Memorial Day and can help. This is absolutely not something you need to be in a frenzy to get done. Listen to Pam’s sage advice.

From the articles that I have been reading, thousands of persons have
been having problems taking the pics and uploading them. You do not
hear about these persons. Apparently no one on forum has had
difficulty like I have had but I have been doing my homework. I feel
challenged and am getting ready to try again.

Many people have had challenges taking photos and they have been reported in this forum (examples below). As has been noted already, seek help from a trusted person to help you take the pictures. Have them email you the files and save them on your computer before you start your online application.

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/england/uk-etas-application-failures-tips-please

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/england/uk-eta-tips-including-samsung-phone-issue

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/england/eta-app-issues

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/england/eta-uk-photo-woe

First some good news. I was able to take an acceptable photo of my passport. What a relief.

I have just begun to work on my selfie but I have other people to take a photo of me.

I know that i have a lot of time but I would like to get this out of the way and begin focusing on Iceland / Norway 2027.

My cruise ends in Southhampton. That is why i need the UK ETA.

CL

thank you.

I did not realize that others on forum had similar problems with the pictures.

As I just posted, i was able to get approval for my passport picture and am now working on my face.

Hi Kim

I loved Paris.

Well, we are having bad weather in Austin as is a lot of the country and I really can not do much today so it is a good day to work on taking a picture of my face.

I was able to submit my info for a UK ETA. It cost me about $27.50.

It asks if I am employed and I said no. I am retired but it did not give me the option for retired. Of course, they have my age and must know that I am past retirement age but I wonder if it hurts to say no to employment. If you say yes, do you get an option for retirement

It was approved. Now I can get very serious about my next cruise. Might even try to move it up tp Spring 2027

I'm glad it worked out for you. I've got some suggestions.....

Print out your email notification even though it says you don't need to and file this with your information file for this trip or with your passport. Save that email in a folder for this trip so you can get back to it.

Do a screen shot of the approval notice.

Do you set up albums for each trip so you can move important tickets, etc into a separate photo album?

Do you set up a Notes file on your phone with the same intent?

Have you started an itinerary for this trip either in Google Docs or in a notebook? IF so note down your approval date. IF you haven't started one, now is the time to do so since you've done a critical piece that needs to be remembered.

Most people are not asked about the ETA approval but some people have posted on the forum that they have had Airport staff question them so it's a good idea to have documentation even though the UK says you don't need to. I was not asked by Delta staff last year when I went to Scotland but that is just one data point of many.

Hi Pam

I have an Iceland file on my computer and the same file is also on my iPad but I hope to print out the approval before I leave on my trip.

I think I already moved the ETA approval into my Iceland file but if Ihave not doneit yet, it will be done very soon.

I realize it is 16 months away but there is so much learning ahead of me. It is so exciting.