UK ETA application experience

Thank you!!!!! Super helpful and really appreciated! :-)

Yeah, there have been many on here concerned about ETA and EITAS, that it somehow is a lengthy process with unknown results (likelihood you will be rejected), concerned it may take months.

What you experienced is similar to what visitors to the US experience with ESTA, or if you go back a few years, the authorization needed for visiting during Covid for some European countries.

The ETA/EITAS/ESTA is really for most a non-issue, certainly something you need to remember to do, better to do earlier than later for a planned trip, but in a pinch, you could do it immediately before check-in at the airport (for most systems, you need only have submitted the application).

Hopefully your experience will reassure the nervous ones.

It seems a bit much to have to have one just for a layover though!

Thank you, that is helpful! I will be in London from January 3-8, so I am leaving the day it goes into effect. Thinking maybe I should get an ETA since it is good for two years and I know I will travel to the UK at least once or twice in those two years.

The people it may affect is anyone with a criminal record of any sort. Overseas citizens will have an ESTA for visiting the USA automatically refused if they have any kind of conviction for drug related offences, for example. Other minor offences will also result in it being impossible to get an ESTA. It can still be possible to travel but people affected need to go to the US Embassy in person to get a visa.

It will be interesting to see if the ETA system is similarly strict.

Thanks, Carol! Very helpful and reassuring.

Thanks for posting your experience, Carol.

I expect when you check in for your flight you'll have to show them the app with your approval? Or I guess there is a number associated with the approval so maybe that will need to be added to an airline account (thinking of Delta's FlyReady website)?

The people it may affect is anyone with a criminal record of any sort.

It is not quite that dire. The questions of interest are: (paraphrased)

Have you been convicted of a criminal offense in which you were given a custodial sentence (I assume jailed, possibly Parole) for more than 12 Months?

Have you been convicted of a criminal offense in the last 12 months?

If you answer positive to the second question, you are then prompted to enter additional information on the nature of the offense.

It seems clear that serious felonies are what they are looking for, not a traffic ticket or misdemeanor. Things that are not illegal in the UK are also not of concern.

I would agree the US gets a bit uptight about drug offenses, they have even denied entry to people who have publicly admitted to drug use, without ever being convicted.

For those interested, here is a link to the documentation used by those who make decisions on an ETA: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/electronic-travel-authorisation-caseworker-guidance

Though I suspect if you answer all question appropriately, no human actually sees the application, it is just automatically approved.

Carol, that is very thoughtful of you to post your experience. Thank you.

And yes it sounds much like what my husband does when he applies for his ESTA, although I feel like he just enters the number and expiration date of his passport (not a scan) and doesn't have to do a photo. Maybe the next go-round, that will be in the US ESTA system too !

@Pam. The approval notice states, "When you travel to the UK, you only need your passport that ends in XXXX. You do not need to print or show this confirmation email."

So the ETA is automatically linked to your passport and will show up at passport control. I'm not sure how the airlines will handle this since there really is nothing to "show".

Thank you and bookmarking. It sounded intimidating, so your explanation of the steps helps us be mentally prepared.

I, too, applied today. Let me tell you my experiece.

I used the app. I was able to take a photo of my information page, scan the chip in the passport, take my photo first time, answer a few questions and pay via Google Pay.

I immediately got an email saying they received my application and I should hear within 72 hours.

And now the wait.....

Well, I did get approved. The time between email confirmation of application to the Approval email was about 20 seconds.

20 seconds.

I just processed my application and had the same experience as Carol. Everything went fine, except would not scan the chip. I confirmed the information. Took two (yes 2) minutes to receive approval. Cost was $13.08 in $US.

Regarding scanning the passport....

1) Make sure any cover on your passport and phone are removed.

2)Try scanning from the back of the passport rather than the front.

3) Move the phone slowly.

Thanks Carol NR for sharing your experience and hints. Since i travel in June, I’m in no rush to apply. The RS tour email yesterday about ETA say apply a month from traveling. I’m planning 60 days prior.

As others have said, it’s interesting that you need an ETA for transiting through UK airports. That’s going to catch a lot of people who are only connecting flights.

Eventually the requirement will hopefully be integrated into the airline reservation systems, so one will be prompted to apply or confirm, similar to passport requirements.

Thanks Carol for the extra information about the approval being linked to your passport.

Dumb question, but I'm assuming the reading of the chip is enabled in the app and with NFC turned on.

VAP, based on what I just did for Australia, yes to both.

I applied for my visa to Australia yesterday and the process was exactly as Carol now retired has described for the UK. I had quite a bit of trouble with the chip scanning but did a TripAdvisor search, which told me to scan the inside cover of the passport, after having it open. The AU instructions specifically said (and showed) to scan the information page. Sigh. Once I only opened the cover, it was 2 seconds.

I just did mine, and approval took two minutes. I tried the app unsuccessfully, and then the web site, which was very simple.

I used the app to apply today. I applied at 11 AM and was approved by 3 PM.

The app could not find the chip in my passport, so I submitted without this and was approved within minutes today.

ETA/EITAS/ESTA/Australian thingy...... Arent things going in the wrong direction. Thank you Turkey for dropping your visa requirement despite the rest of the world adding visas. At least they are easy.

These AREN'T visas (I repeat for the nth time). The ONLY people who can travel with these approvals are those who are traveling under a visa waiver agreement.

Getting a visa costs a lot more and takes a lot more time and trouble (paperwork).

And as many have pointed out, this is just the Brits reciprocating what the U.S. has required of visa-free travelers since 2008 — I.e. for 16 years now.

And the same will be true when the EU finally introduces theirs. They are simply handing back to us what we have made them do for 16 years.

Sorry but I get crazy when the terminology isn't right.

Arent things going in the wrong direction.

No, not at all. Think of it not as a visa (it isn't) but as a trusted traveler program.

You provide information about yourself prior to travel, it gets the green, yellow, or red light; you show up at the border, and hopefully, scan your passport, smile at the camera, and away you go. No standing in line, talking to a border officer, hoping they are in a good mood, or at least not wanting to mess with you (most I have experienced though over the years are bored and as wanting to get rid of you as you are to get through.)

If it helps ease of travel, while increasing safety, I'm all for it.

It's all very complicated. Basically the same processes and questions and more or less the same fees to provide the same scrutiny and security and traveler rights in each, but some are a visa and others are not. But I will try and remember which is which.

Sorry, having trouble remembering, but didn't getting that TSA-Pre tag, which while similar merely allows one to use potentially quicker line, cost a lot more? I am afraid I am failing to see why a document with a small fee is an issue for trips that cost in the thousands of dollars.

@Larry and Paul. You sound a bit confused. This has nothing to do with a “quicker line”. You don’t get any faster than the Egates already available to US passport holders. This is about legal entry to the country. Every country has the right to manage their borders as they see fit. The UK has chosen to implement ETA process Jan 8th. Getting one is simple and inexpensive for most people.

Thank you, Carol! I got approved in less than 90 seconds. "Done and dusted," as we say in England ;-)

This has nothing to do with a “quicker line”.

But it does, it is one link in border security. Yes, you can use the e-gates now, but countries realize those have risks, this mitigates those risks.

Same with the Schengen zone, they are trying to get e-gates working in a coordinated Schengen wide system, called EES, was supposed to be well into rollout by now, but delayed, and this is the step that needs to happen before EITAS is rolled out.

The UK did a limited rollout (specific countries) with E-Gates, now they are following with ETA, basically the same approach. If you know about the people coming in, it is easier to just pass them through.

"some are a visa and others are not."

Correct - the Australian ETA is a visa (Australia requires every non citizen or permanent resident to have a visa), the UK ETA is not, as ir applies only to nationals of countries that don't require visas.

Simon, good to know that the online version worked well for you. I have an older iphone that might not work well with the app, and the online instructions looked easier anyway. Thank you. :O)

Great info, appreciated - thank you for sharing.

Does this UK ETA also cover Scotland?

Yes.

The UK is comprised of 4 nations, Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland and England, and the UK ETA is valid for all 4.

I might be the only person who never received an email after completing the application without problems on Nov. 28. They gave me a Referenced Number and charged my credit card, but no email has ever appeared in my regular or spam folders (GMail).

The UK website says to contact them if the email doesn't arrive by Dec. 5, but I don't find a way to do so. Aggravating! Does anyone see a way to proceed?

Miles - it took some digging, but I found this "Contact us" page. I didn't run all the way through the pages, but it looks like it is set up to resolve common problems and send you off to a web chat. Good luck. https://www.gov.uk/contact-ukvi-inside-outside-uk

Two of us completed iPhone apps in the past week. Neither of us could scan the chip, but manual input was fine. Both of us thought our self-photos were hideous, but they were accepted.

I initially had trouble with an app error message - something to the effect of "System Error Try Later". This was before I even began the process. I removed the app and re-loaded it. This time everything worked smoothly.

@miles99, I'm assuming that you checked your spam folders? If so, and no email, you can try this chat option: https://ukimmigration-support-webchat.homeoffice.gov.uk/eta

I don't use a smartphone, so the app option is out of the question for me. Does anyone have any experience of using the online option? The only area where things may get tedious is the photo of myself, though I have a camera to use for that. Otherwise, it looks doable.

I just completed my application online and received an email that my application was being processed and another one a minute after that my application was approved. I also applied for my partner and after submitting my payment, the page stalled and was stuck on the "We are fetching your application" screen. After about 15 minutes I tried to refresh and Nothing was captured. I haven't received an email confirmation his application is processing but I see the charge on my CC. I've checked my inbox and junk mail.

I tried to start a chat on their page but it seems to be a bot. Seems that I have to wait until opening hours to chat with an adviser. If the charge is not processed then I will know that I will have to redo the second application. Hope this doesn't happen to anyone else.

For those trying to scan the chip in a US passport, it is located in the back cover. See FAQ 19.

Passport books have a small integrated circuit (or “chip”) in the back
cover.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/passport-help/faqs.html

"Does anyone have any experience of using the online option"

I have - it's a very easy application- it took me five minutes and was approved in a few minutes.

"Passport books have a small integrated circuit (or “chip”) in the back
cover."

Just a note for non-US citizens that other passports may have them elsewhere, often on the photo page.

Follow up experience. My son and his wife followed the process and completed it and had approval all within a 5 minute timespan. Knowing to find the chip inside the back cover was especially helpful in the process.

I've attempted to use the app on my Samsung S22+ (has the most up to date Android operating system) and encountered error messages both times. Sounds like others here have had some issues, but eventually got it to work. I uninstalled and reinstalled the app, but to no avail. I will try the online application, but they push the app pretty hard. Anyone experiencing issues using the app in the past few days, post Christmas? Thanks!

@Kevin. My son used the app on his android phone after Christmas without any difficulties. UK ETA with a picture of a crown is the correct app.

"I will try the online application, but they push the app pretty hard."

Just use the web site - I had trouble reading the chip on the passport, so did it on the site and it was approved in minutes. No reason to use the app if you're having g trouble with it.

Done and dusted here as well. Did the same steps as the OP, and it took about 90 minutes for the approval to come back

Still trying to apply for the UK ETA on the app , get about half way and error pops up saying experience problems try again later and has even locked me out have now been trying for about a week . Have even uninstalled it . Luckily not going to the UK till May !!!!
Hopefully will fix and I'll be able to try again soon

You can apply online:

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

Just as Carol now retired said, just skip to the next screen if you can’t get your chip to scan…easy to confirm the information from your passport. And my application was approved in about two minutes (must have been a slow evening)!

I tried to sign up via app today for a trip we have next week after realizing this went into effect next week. When I click for payment it won’t let me go any further, says try different card. I’ve tried Apple Pay and now two other credit cards (Discover, Visa, MasterCard. Any advice on how to complete the process?

lovelibertypeace, did you try to sign up via the website to see if you have better luck there?

I never did get my chip to scan but it's a 9-year old passport, so I just skipped it. However, I scanned my grandson and granddaughter's passports (brand new) by placing the phone on the inside back cover, and it worked fine. FWIW, all 3 were approved within a minute.

Finally just got around to applying for my ETA just a few moments ago. The app was a little buggy, but got it done and approved in 14 minutes.

Thank you for your very informative post about the ETA installation and application process.

I have a couple of follow-up questions and would greatly appreciate your insights:

1. Upgrading iPhone After Obtaining an ETA: If someone needs to upgrade their iPhone after obtaining an ETA, will the app automatically transfer to the new phone during a full backup and restoration? Or will they need to reinstall the app and potentially reapply for a new ETA (if that's even allowed)?
2. Switching to ETA While Applying for a Standard Visa: Is it possible for someone who has started the standard visa application process (e.g., biometrics, but has not yet submitted all required documents) to independently apply for an ETA? We recently realized that our travel date is earlier than the usual 21-day processing period for the regular visa. Since the planned stay is for less than six months and involves studying, we’re considering the ETA as a quicker alternative. This would also help us avoid the risk of not having our U.S. passports returned in time for the trip.

the ETA is not a visa. If you need a visa having an ETA will not remove that need.

You really don’t need to keep the app on your phone after everything is processed. The ETA is linked to your passport, not the app.

Andaweb, your education provider should advise you whether you need a visa. This will depend on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. As Nigel notes, an ETA is not a visa, it's just for people arriving from visa waiver countries as standard visitors. If your study will take less than six months, you may not need a visa:

https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor/visit-to-study

On point to 1, yes through app should transfer over to a new phone. But you won't need it again for another two years anyway.

I tried to apply using the app, and it refused to scan the biometric chip on the front of my passport. I tried several times, following the instructions carefully, but it would not work and I was unable to complete the application. I have an iPhone 16 running ios 18, so it isn't my phone. I dont' understand what the problem is.

whmscll, For a US passport, the chip is located in the back cover, not the front cover.

whmscll - With many using mobile based payment it's usually a given, but is your NFC function turned on? For whatever reason the app wouldn't read my passport chip. No big deal, when reaching the chip reading stage click the skip icon and visually confirm that the information collected during the photographing of the passport data page is correct click confirm and go on to the next stage.

I tried to apply using the app, and it refused to scan the biometric chip on the front of my passport. I tried several times, following the instructions carefully, but it would not work and I was unable to complete the application. I have an iPhone 16 running ios 18, so it isn't my phone. I dont' understand what the problem is.

Just skip it if it doesn't work. Mine never did work for my passport, but since it's 9 years old, I figured the chip is just a bit worn. :-) It worked fine for my grandkids, but their passports are new. It's simple to add the information. Just skip it and then answer the questions. Easy peasy. I did this and mine was approved within a minute or two.

If husband and wife applying for ETA can they do it from the same iphone, using the same phone number and the same email or all should be different?

I don't think the same phone number will matter at all. It might be best to use two different emails.

I don't believe it to be an issue. You can only apply and pay for one application at a time, but the app does allow you to apply for other people who are with you.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/using-the-uk-eta-app

I don't like to do a lot of aps on my phone.
I presume that I can apply from my computer?

If husband and wife applying for ETA can they do it from the same iphone, using the same phone number and the same email or all should be different?

I applied for my two grandkids, and used my email and my phone number for both of them with no problem.

I don't like to do a lot of aps on my phone.
I presume that I can apply from my computer?

Yes, you can apply online, geovagriffith, although they do strongly encourage you to use the app as it is easier and quicker. But here is the link for the online process: https://apply-for-an-eta.homeoffice.gov.uk/apply/electronic-travel-authorisation/how-to-apply

For all of the above questions, maybe the thing to remember, is all authorities will be looking for is an ETA tied to a passport number. So passport scanned, an indicator that an ETA was approved is returned. No record of an ETA, then a flag is raised, and you likely wind up being routed to a human, who will ask lots of questions. So what type of device, who does it, whether app or online, all really does not matter.

You really get nothing to show to the airline or an authority that you were approved, it is simply a link in their system, so I doubt airlines will do little more than notify you of the need, they have nothing to "check", and will not deny you boarding if someone forgot to do it.

And for those that do not like clogging up their mobile device with apps, The guidance on using the UK ETA app does say that, "You can delete the app when you’ve finished applying. Your ETA will be linked to your passport digitally, and you will not need to show anything else when you enter the UK."

Hi does anyone know if the app is not working?

Well, quick and easy they said... I tried to download the app from GooglePlay and it told me my device isn't compatible with the app (although it requires Android 8 at least and I have 11). Okay, let's try online. It only recognizes an integrated camera for the facial scan apparently--it didn't recognize my phone camera plugged in. But that was okay, as it said I could skip that step. I got all the way past my passport photo and information and through a successful yet massively unflattering photo of myself, but when I hit continue I got "Sorry there is a problem with the service. You will need to start your application again." Maybe not today.

I submitted my ETA request at 4:32 today Eastern time and received my approval at 4:49 Eastern time.

I use the app.

I was unable to scan my chip. I don’t know why, I know my passport has a chip. I know it’s been scanned when I’m crossing borders, but I could not get the phone to scan it But the rest of it was fairly straightforward so finally, I just skipped that to see what would happen and it worked great.

Just a note there are already several scams out out there and I’ve already seen reports of people paying 50 or $60 for this. Make sure you’re on the right site or you’ve downloaded the right app. With the exchange rate mine was around $12.

As for getting denied, I’ve already seen one person upset on Facebook because they had a DUI in the past 12 months and got denied. They’re going to have to apply for a visa.

Hey everyone, has anyone experienced a delay in getting their ETA approved? From what I’ve read here, it seems like most people get theirs immediately, but that hasn’t been the case for me. I found out about the ETA on Sunday and applied right away, but it’s now Tuesday morning, and I still haven’t received any approval. My flight is tonight by 9pm. I’m considering submitting a new application, but I’m worried it might cause issues. I’m feeling really anxious about this and any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I understand that as long as you have applied, you should be ok.

My eta came back fine, but my wife's came back with her middle name misspelled. Any tips on how to correct this? Is it possible to void this one and reapply. Or, should I not worry about it. I note that the confirmation email contains the following: "Do not worry if your full name is not included on this email. It only needs to match your name in the first line of the machine-readable zone (MRZ) on your passport." I believe the first line contains only the holder's last name.
Anyone else had this experience?
Thanks.

"I still haven’t received any approval. My flight is tonight by 9pm"

Carol is correct - you don't need to have received a response, as long as you've applied:

"You must apply for an ETA before you travel to the UK. You can travel to the UK while waiting for a decision."
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta#how-long-it-takes

Thank you for sharing this Carol - much appreciated!

I would like to also suggest:

Take the cover or drop protection from you phone before you begin.

It's not easy trying to remove it half way through while trying to keep your fingers from messing up the screen. IMO, YMMV. Otherwise, it's pretty quick. I also received my approval in less than a minute.

I don't use my phone to download apps or pay for anything.
Can I just apply from my home computer and receive approval that I can print?

Can I just apply from my home computer and receive approval that I can print?

Yes. Go to the website and apply. There is no need to print anything. The ETA is tied to your passport and in their computer. You don't have to show anything.

Thanks to Carol and everyone in this thread, we easily found the chip and completed the process quickly and were approved within a minute.

EDIT: when we scanned the back of the passport cover it didn’t read the chip. We opened the passport and scanned the inside of the back page and it quickly read the chip.

Help
After doing all the process, in the "Checkout part", I am asked to select the Processing time. The cheapest one is "Standard (4 days) and costs 59,50 pounds.
I thought it was only 10 pounds. Did I do sth wrong ? (I do it for a Brazilian citizen)

Thank you

Yeah, are you accessing the ETA application through the official government site?

Click the URL and scroll down for the link to download the correct Official app
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta#apply-for-an-eta

Or this URL to apply on line
https://apply-for-an-eta.homeoffice.gov.uk/apply/electronic-travel-authorisation/how-to-apply

Please follow the link VAP has provided. From what you've described you are not on the official government site. Processing is pretty much instant, and you cannot pay more for faster processing.

I downloaded the app onto my phone and went through the process in just a few minutes. I was not successful in scanning for the chip, used the skip option when it appeared, and all went well. I submitted at 1:55 pm and received approval at 2:12. Cost was $12.65 US. Thank you Carol for this thread!

Ha, I did notice the US price (or rather conversion rate) is going down. When I applied for myself and my grandson, it converted to $13.07, but when I applied for my granddaughter earlier this week, it was $12.72.

Applied and approved 10 minutes later. Ugly picture showed an old lady -- how did that happen! At least no one else will see it (hopefully). Passport chip wouldn't scan but it didn't matter. Happy that this task is done and over with.

Ugly picture showed an old lady -- how did that happen!

I suspect that, with the gender difference, I'm looking to get a similar result. Much appreciated the chuckle, Horsewoofie!

Simply adding to the posts. I agree this was as simple and quick as possible. I may have received my approval in just 5 minutes, definitely less than 10. Also as some have noted -- my photo looked horrible, yet the app accepted it. And point #5 was the same experience for me -- my iPhone could not scan the passport chip (I suspect something technical), so I simply chose skip after 3 attempts and confirmed the info. Best wishes and safe & happy travels to all who apply.

I was fine with the application process until I got to the address screen. There is a field for street address and a field for City or Town and a field for Postal Code. There is no field or drop down menu for State of residence. When I got to the review screen, the address looks incomplete without a State. Is this a problem?

Presumably because the UK (and many other countries) don't have states:). In the UK, counties are implied by the post code. No one is actually going to check your address anyway.

I wish it was this easy, I have taken no less than 19 passport and self photos all are being rejected by ETA, I am following the guidelines they have for the phots, no luck. This is beyond frustrating, no problem taking my money, but definitely not my photos

Is it the headshot photo or the passport scan that's being rejected? Or both? And you can't have paid yet if your photo is being rejected.

There are helpful You tube videos if you are having problems. I have a US chip passport and had trouble getting it to read. Finally I googled and a US gov info page came up. It said, and was the only one i found that said, to hold the phone to the picture page and also the connecting page. Mine picked up on the connecting page. I did mine and my husband's. We both received an email within about 30 seconds.

Hi folks. We are 5 friends travelling to London for a weekend, from Canada. We've all been many times and have had no problem entering the country. We have submitted (Feb 4) for ETA's and no one has received an answer as yet. We travel in a couple weeks. I've emailed their customer service, but have had no reply at all. Has anyone else had this experience? Any suggestions on how to get it fixed?

Easy process to complete. My wife and i did ours and both were finished and approved in about 20 minutes.

Hi all, When I go to confirm my address, there's no line to put my state of residence. Am I missing something? Thank you.

State isn't necessary. Your street address with zip (postal) code and USA is all that is required.

I applied for my UK ETA and selected the wrong nationality type when asked about previous nationality. I selected British subject and I should have selected British overseas citizen. After I submitted it I realized the error and think maybe it will be denied. Does anyone know if I can just do the application over again right away before they have a chance to process it, or should I wait a few days? My sister submitted hers and got the approval less than 10 minutes later, so I'm pretty sure I screwed up. Not sure what I should do. Does anyone have advice?

Thanks,
Jen

Just try it again.

Used the app. Could not be easier! Got ETA approval for spouse and me in less than 15 minutes. Congrats to UK for a workable and user friendly experience. Wish IRS in USA was as efficient.

Has anyone found a way to beat the ripoff DCC and pay in sterling? Maybe you can say you’re in UK or Gibraltar? It’s absurd that there’s a forced markup on a government site. While the ~4% is pennies on an individual ETA, imagine how much somebody is skimming on the whole project.

There was no dynamic currency conversion, just charged to my credit card in pounds. Not really sure what you are talking about…..

At the time I applied it was a 7 cents difference between the exchange I would have received through my bank and the rate provided through the ETA application. I'm just not upset or quibbling over such little, insignificant, and unimportant differences.

Carol - for many the £10 fee is not necessarily charged in Pound Sterling, but in the applicant's own currency with a small fee added.

"Has anyone found a way to beat the ripoff DCC and pay in sterling?"

The fee is in £. Why not just opt to pay in £? I certainly did. There are so many different banking options nowadays there's no reason to stay with a bank that offers poor rates...

The fee is in £. Why not just opt to pay in £?

Because you do not necessarily have a choice. When applying through the UK ETA app and progressing through the various steps, one comes to the "Your Payment" screen which says, "Because you are applying from United States, you will need to pay for your application in United States Dollars (USD). Your application will cost [XamountX] United States Dollars. This includes fees for currency conversion. "

Scroll towards the end of this writer's article and you'll see an illustration of the screen in question.
https://frequentmiler.com/uk-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta/

6. You do a biometric scan through your phone

Question - I’ve read through Carol now retired’s very helpful post about applying for the ETA, but have a question. What is the “biometric scan” in #6 of her list (quoted above)?

@samatudd
It appears that the biometric scan mentioned by Carol is step #2 in the instructions copied below — “scan your face with your device.”

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

How to apply

1. Take or upload a photo of the passport you will use to travel to the UK.
2. Scan your face with your device, if it has a camera. Children aged 9 and under will not be asked to scan their face.
3. Take or upload a photo of yourself.
4. Answer some questions about yourself.
5. Pay for your application.

Thank you Mary!

I'm an idiot and got scammed with a fraudulent website. Had to call Capital One and jump through those hoops to cancel the payment and get a new cad. LOL at me.

I did mine yesterday and received my approval two minutes after submitting.

I really want ro thank those of you who figured out and mentioned here on the Forum that the chip in the U.S. passport.is embedded in the back cover, not the front one where the symbol is. That saved me time and frustration ! Thank you !

Kim, I couldn't get the chip detected and didn't see your post until now, but was able to "skip" that part and all went fine. Not sure why finding the chip didn't matter but I'm not asking any questions.

I submitted a UK ETA application for someone. Unfortunately, the payment was not successful as the credit card company blocked the credit card which was used. I received a message from the credit card company that they did it as they were not sure if it was a legit transaction. I clicked "Try Again" but did not input the credit card details yet. I was calling the credit card company to unblock the credit card. When I was done on the phone, I noticed that site has updated. It said that "Application Submitted We have sent you a confirmation email." I called up the credit card company and they confirmed that the transaction did not go through and was not charged. It's been more than 4 hours since the attempt and I have not received a confirmation email. Would it be safe for me to submit another application? Thank you for your thoughts and ideas.

I just helped someone do the whole US visa process. Not fun

Thanks for these tips. We did it on our iphones and also had trouble scanning the chip but your tip to just skip it worked fine. Ours were approved on the same day we did them.

Not sure if this has been mentioned yet, but we have new passports where the photo page is hard and laminated. That’s the page I had to scan for the chip (using the app). Once I figured that out, the process was quick and we got our ETA confirmation within 5 minutes of applying.

I want to thank everyone who posted in this thread for their help in making it very easy for me to apply for and obtain my ETA for the UK. I am not particularly adept at using an app on my phone to do anything, but all your postings convinced me to try the app first and only going to my computer if I failed to get the ETA using the app. Needless to say, you made it very easy for me to understand how to use the app (I would never have thought of scanning the back cover of my passport!) and it took me less than 10 min to complete the application. Two minutes later, the ETA showed up in my E-Mail in box. Thank you all very much for making it so easy for me. If I could do it, anyone can!

Penn

Do I have to do this using my iPhone? I would prefer to use my computer.

Do I have to do this using my iPhone? I would prefer to use my computer.

You can use any device as long as it connects to the internet.

Just use the website rather than an app.

Here are instructions of what to do:

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

\Do I have to do this using my iPhone? I would prefer to use my computer.

I was in the same boat as you. I prefer to use my computer for most tasks but sometimes it is more convenient to use the app. I thought that applying for the ETA was one such instance, so I thought that I would give the app a try. If I failed to get it to work for me, I could always revert to my computer. But as I posted above, once I had read the earlier postings on this thread, I was able to follow the instructions and get the app to work. It was pretty painless and very convenient, especially with scanning the passport chip and uploading one's photograph. I would suggest you give the app a try first and then go back to the computer version if you have any difficulty.

Penn

I applied for my ETA last night, and I must say, it was much easier than I expected and I expected it would be pretty simple.

I took the most time getting my picture sorted and that's just because the first snap was acceptable to them, but not to me.

I submitted the application and received email confirmation at 11:08pm they were working on it.
One whole minute later, I was approved.

I did this with my mobile phone - without the protective case - and a newest style US passport.

Easy, peasy, lemon squeezy!

I know there are a ton of replies but I'll chime in too, especially about the passport-scanning.

I received the approval email about one minute after submitting the application.

--- Passport Scanning ---

Google Pixel 6 Pro

I removed the phone case (Otterbox). Flipped the passport over, onto its face. Opened the back cover. Ran the back of the phone over the inside-back cover of the passport. That worked.

Prior attempts on the front and back of the passport, with or without the phone case, failed.

Good luck to all!

Just completed the process through the app and received approval within minutes.

Thanks for all of the helpful information. I took the cover off my iPhone and scanned the outside of the back cover and it failed twice. Once I scanned the inside back cover it worked.

I also had two failed attempts scanning my face. But it accepted my photo.

Happy Travels!

Our airline wanted to check the email to show we were approved.

Also, it charged me in US dollars. Grr.

I would prefer to use my computer.

Then go ahead and use your computer.

I departed for the UK on Lufthansa from Frankfurt. The desk agent told me we would be required to show proof of the ETA approval from 8 April onwards. Sounds like this is an airline policy, not dictated by the UK government, because the approval email states we don’t have to print or show the email.

The app would not accept my payment. I tried 2 credit cards. This has been happening lately with overseas payments. Any ideas on how to have this not happen?

mlstimetotravel I used Google Pay on my phone - it is tied to my credit card but Google Pay is what the app sees. I paid for two ETAs through the app this way and it worked.

Another passport scanning tip…

I have an iPhone 15 (not Pro, not Max, just plain 15). I took it out of the case and wasn't having much luck.

What made it work was the tip about moving the phone very slowly down the inside back cover. Finally, at one point the phone screen switched to a screen that said it was scanning, and a green progress bar appeared, so I stopped moving the phone. The app reminds you to hold it still.

In case this helps, for reference when the app recognized the chip, the top of my iPhone 15 was about 1/4 of the way down the inside back cover of my US passport.

The one place the app failed was the face-scanning step. But it accepted the selfie photo it took.

I applied via my laptop online with zero problems and received immediate approval. No waiting at all.

I applied yesterday (on a Sunday), and got mine approved after a few hours - probably when it was back to the Monday business day in the UK. I didn’t reread this thread beforehand, and tried scanning the chip in the inside back cover of my passport over and over and over again, to no avail. Finally, I chose “skip,” and only just had to confirm my passport number, name, and birthdate. Frankly, skipping the scanning of the chip was the better choice from the beginning - it was faster and easier than even the simplest scan would’ve been.

My face scan image worked the first time, but trying the chip scan was a huge waste of time and anxiety, when the “skip” option was so fast and easy, even though it seemed that the chip would’ve been the essential high-tech key to the whole process. Just plan to skip the chip part from the beginning and complete the ETA application process in a few more seconds.

Two annoyances: (1) the animated images automatically playing on the App, demonstrating how to position the phone for the image of the passport photo page, and then later to frame your photo, and later to scan the inside back cover, showed things incorrectly. Don’t hold your phone Landscape over your photo page, as the animation shows - that didn’t work for me, but Portrait position did. As for the “photo” that you take, which depicts lines and outlines of your face, not a realistic picture, don’t include the tops of your shoulders as the animation says is required. You need a super close-up. And the scanning of the back cover slowly, from top to bottom - again, don’t waste your time scanning. Hit “skip” and you’ll be done in a few more seconds, no scanning needed.

(2) The £10 price, which is being raised to £16 on April 9 (in two days!) should’ve cost $12.90 yesterday, based on the exchange rate in effect. But mine cost a flat $13.45 - in effect, a Dynamic Currency Conversion, based on the country from which I said I was making the transaction (United States). OK, so that’s 37 cents more than what Carol (the OP) paid back in November, so maybe the price is variable, but it’s still higher than if I used my no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card to pay the £10 application price, and not the flat price the App mandated. Still, it’s cheaper than the £16 coming up.

Thank goodness for this group. My trip isn't until next May, but I saw the ETA is good for 2 years.
So I downloaded the app on my iPhone and followed the procedure. It took only 5 minutes. 1 minute was combing my hair for the photo. But it all worked. I paid the $13.45 fee via Apple Pay. No issues. I submitted the application and got approved within one minute.

@mlstimetotravel, I had to try a couple of cards. My AAA visa that I tried first is apparently connected to my husband's phone number, he and I are not currently in the same place, so I assume a code for approval of the credit card is going to his phone. I tried my Delta AMEX which worked and apparently didn't need a code to confirm.

Carol from Southern Oregon the fee went up yesterday, see this discussion: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/england/going-to-the-uk-apply-for-your-eta-by-tomorrow

Has the fee gone up? ----YES
Tried to apply on-line and fee is now about $20--- SOUNDS RIGHT 16 GBP went into effect on the 9th.
Am I on the wrong site?--PROBABLY NOT

Oops! I just deleted my post before I realized Joe answered my question.
But, yes, I was on the wrong site because in addition to the $20 there was an additional fee of $98 for processing.
I did find the correct app.

Just successfully got approval for my wife and I (<10min). Couple of things occurred. Scanning the chip in the passport was straightforward even with the iPhone (16) in a case. As many noted, getting the picture right was tricky but manageable. Biggest problem was getting a credit card accepted. Two were rejected with the message that the account details in conflict with provided address. Finally found one of my wife's cards worked, but no idea what I would have done if not, nor do I know how to find out what the problem was.

My wife and are trying to get this new visa to travel to the UK in June. We tried to download the app, but they say neither one of our phones is compatible with their app, which seems very odd. Now, we're trying their website, but it's been giving us issues. If we can't resolve this soon, we'll have to cancel our trip.

rfoster37: Be patient. You do not need the app, you can do this on the website very easily My partner and I each accomplished this in April while in Vienna using our iPads and Safari. Whatever you use for a desktop/laptop computer should also work fine. AS long as you can take and upload the photos. Make sure you are on the OFFICIAL website.

rfoster37: Be patient. You do not need the app, you can do this on the
website very easily My partner and I each accomplished this in April
while in Vienna using our iPads and Safari. Whatever you use for a
desktop/laptop computer should also work fine. AS long as you can take
and upload the photos. Make sure you are on the OFFICIAL website.

This is the direct link to the page to start a web-based application:

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

Note it says that you need to do your application in one go and if you do not do anything for 20 minutes, the service will time out. So I suggest taking photos of your passports and yourselves BEFORE you start the application process.

"If we can't resolve this soon, we'll have to cancel"

Exactly what issues are you facing on the web site? It it a very simple process and shouldn't take more than 10 minutes max. If you can share we may be able to help.

The good news is once you've sorted it, it's valid for 2 years and multiple trips.

I paid $21.33 a month ago using the UK government website. It was super easy, they walk you through each step. Got my ETA almost immediately.

I had a similar application for admission to Kenya for a safari three years ago and uploading a good photo was a royal pain. I finally had to go out and purchase new passport photos just for that application. Fortunately, those worked.

The UK ETA app was remarkably easy and approval was extremely fast. Thanks for the information on that. Delta Airlines is directing international passengers to the company Sherpa for obtaining eVisas........ I had a terrible experience with them and the customer service is non-existent, would never use again.

The app wasn't working just now when we attempted to use it and it told us to use the online version so we did. Today's cost was $22.21 each
It was approved within less than 2 minutes.

THANKS SO MUCH! Hitting “Skip” on the chip scan saved me a ton of time! Wish I had read these instructions FIRST!

Thank you for this very helpful post. I also couldn't scan the passport chips despite several tries.

Approval took 6 min for me, 2 min for my daughter.

I, too, thank you for this very clear description of the ETA process. Mine was approved before I could get to my email!! Could not read my chip even when I removed my case. It liked my 2nd (horrible!) picture.

I just applied using the app. It was super simple. No issues scanning the chip; the instructions say to open the back cover of your passport and lay your phone on it. As soon as I did, it confirmed the scan.

One small issue I did run into, which I think I saw mentioned in another thread, was that the button to take my selfie was almost covered by the "home" button on my Samsung S23. I touched it and it minimized the app. I reopened the app and it was still on the 'take a photo' step. I didn't have my reading glasses on, but I was able to touch the very top of the photo button and it took successfully. You can turn the camera around and get someone else to take your picture, if you run into that issue trying to center your face and take a photo without touching the 'home' button at the same time.

The whole process, including paying with Google Pay, took under five minutes and my approval was received in under two minutes.

Edited to add that my booking in the Fly Delta app does offer two options for applying for the ETA - "apply through our partner, Sherpa or through United Kingdom's government website." There is a button for each. Each option is equally visible and the Sherpa option is labeled "application assistance services for an additional fee." If someone uses Sherpa at this step and then thinks they've been bamboozled out of an additional fee, they were not paying attention.

Yep, paid a premium for my eTA before reading all of this, because American Airlines sent me to "Sherpa", so I paid almost twice the correct fee. Live and learn, that's what it's about. Helping Sherpa continue to do business with its partners :p

I tried both using the phone and doing it online. Unable to complete Either way, I personally found it stressful and a bit traumatic that I was unable to complete it.

You have to have current software, and be somewhat tech comfortable and savvy.

btw seems like the passport chip is on the inside of the back cover.

if you take a picture with an iPhone and want to use it on your computer or of the passport it has to be a JPEG. If you’re on an iPhone you need to go to camera setting and choose most compatible that is the actual setting that you need for JPEG.

so that’s what I learned, and didn’t figure out, however, I was unable to do it both ways.

on the phone seemed reasonable going back-and-forth to your email until I did the biometric thing which kind of tweaked me however, I thought I could upload a picture and not do one live and that freaked me out I’m not comfortable with selfies or taking pictures at all of myself and so I had to spend some time the day before having somebody prepare me and take a picture, but it wouldn’t let me upload it does it right then in there and I freaked

then, when I tried to do it online, you have to enter all these numbers and everything manually that’s OK and then mail the pictures and stuff and I had to use someone else’s computer because it wouldn’t except my computer because it’s too old and I don’t have Wi-Fi and then when you mail it you need to have the right size and when it’s a small, medium and large it doesn’t tell you the dimensions you need and the other person since I had to use their computer because mine didn’t work didn’t have any more time to help

I found the experience kind of traumatizing because I don’t know how I’m going to get this done I will be having I surgery today. And I don’t know how I’m gonna get this done and back in time and I haven’t traveled

I guess for people who are comfortable with tech and have everything current. I hate Current technology it’s like anti-connection its’s time consuming and Feels emotionally Invasive and depressing and I wish there was a place where I could go in and have them do it for me or have computers And Wi-Fi it assumes did everybody is trendy.

Tippy toeing into traveling, and this is kind of offputting.

so is the whole booking flights and all of that it’s pretty traumatic mostly because there’s so much I don’t know and I don’t feel like I’m completing the tasks are able to do it and I waste hours

and I haven’t even figured out the plug converter thing and Wooden I need to lower the amount of power not just convert?

Some people really need travel, handholding, different skill sets

lfynhawk, you might be the target audience for the extra-cost services some of the airlines who fly to the UK are referring their customers to. I hope you are able to complete the ETA process with a minimum of additional stress. Good travels to you!

@viaportici, my ETA application did not ask for travel dates. It doesn't matter, because it's good for two years. Are you applying through the official app or government website?

Also, there's no need to apply quite so far in advance. It's good for two years from approval, so keep that time in mind if you plan to return to the UK after your trip next year.

@Ifynhawk, do you have a tech savvy young person in your life who can help you with your ETA? If so, hand your phone over to them and follow their directions and you'll be all set within minutes.

It took about one minute today. First the email acknowledging receipt. Then right behind it the approval email. The hardest part of the process was taking the self portrait!

I was dreading doing this but found the process was so easy! I did watch several videos ahead of time to see how this was done was very helpful. I also took a picture of my passport information page and a selfie ahead of time. They were saved in my files so very easy to add. I did decide to do this online and not through my phone as I read some people had problems scanning the chip in the passport. Some even had to take off the phone cover! All in all it took me maybe 6 minutes to do it and then one minute later I received the approval. It was very easy and so fast! For those of you having problems please watch several videos as I found that helped out immensely.