I think I found this mentioned on another post, but the ETA app doesn't always work well on android phones. In my case, the issue seemed to be that my phone's home button is the same spot as the app's camera button.
I ended up taking the needed photos ahead and uploading them as needed, on my phone but not through the app. I received my approval 4 minutes after hitting send.
Note that you must pay in your own country's currency. Today's cost was $22.82.
Good info, Liz! I have an iPhone, but I've seen some issues posted here using the app, and it makes me wonder if they were Android phones.
At any rate, thanks for posting this! It's interesting how much the fee has gone up. I paid $13 back in early January.
I had no issues using an Android phone.
My impression of issues people having are mostly user derived, trouble getting an acceptable picture or reading the chip (not sure where the chip is, having a phone cover that interferes (some have metal plates for magnetic holders) etc,)
Some issues also with older version phones, or the odd quirks of some brands.
Interesting problem. The home button on my Android phone is below the camera button, so I had no trouble with that and the entire process went smoothly with the Android app on my Samsung phone.
Note that you must pay in your own country's currency
Maybe worth mentioning, for super clarity, that this isn't always true. When I applied as a Canadian, the ETA app made me pay in USD.
Mardee, the increase in price is due at least in part to the current BPS to USD conversion.
Oh, that's right - I saw that thread but forgot the cost had gone up. Still not too bad for an entry fee to a country. :-)
At any rate, thanks for posting this! It's interesting how much the fee has gone up. I paid $13 back in early January.
The fee changed in April(?) from 10 to 16 GBP and the exchange rate has been moving in the 'unfavorable' direction for those who pay in US$
I used the app on my Android phone with no problem
I had no problem with my S25 Samsung Android. The camera button is above the home button, and the Android camera also has an option to add a 2nd button to your screen that you can slide around the screen to a comfortable position.
One tip when scanning for the chip in your passport is to take your phone case off. The NFC thingy is on the back of your phone and the case can sometimes block it. Also, odds are the chip in your passport is in the back cover.
Maybe worth mentioning, for super clarity, that this isn't always
true. When I applied as a Canadian, the ETA app made me pay in USD.
Yes, that happened to me too. I had to laugh because I had a pop-up in the ETA app that said that it noticed I was from Canada and as result I would be billed in $US.
The problem I am having on my Samsung S25 is that when I try to take a picture of me it puts the phone in selfie mode which is impossible to meet all their requirements. And even though their is a button to flip to the front lens, the button doesn't work. Impossible to get a picture.
LarryD, that sounds similar.
I didn't bother trying the app again. Worked just fine without it.
