Your first ETA: How to apply and avoid common mistakes

With new UK border rules rolling out, many travellers now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before coming to the UK. Whether you’re visiting for a holiday or a business trip, this blog explains what a UK ETA is, how to apply, and the most common mistakes we see people make.

What is a UK ETA?

The UK ETA is a digital travel permit introduced by the UK government for nationals of visa-free countries. If you are a national of Europe, the USA, Australia, Canada or certain other countries, you will now need an ETA to visit the UK.

An ETA is not a visa. Whilst its purpose is partly to reduce the number of people travelling to the UK only to be refused entry, the ETA solely provides authorisation to travel to the UK to those nationals of countries which do not require a Visit visa to come to the UK, and does not guarantee entry. You must obtain it in advance of travelling, even for a short visit.

ETAs are valid for 2 years, or until your passport expires, whichever is sooner. With an ETA, you can enter multiple times within the 2-year validity period. This includes visiting the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, business, visiting friends or family, or short-term study.

You do not need (and should not apply for) an ETA if you’re a British or Irish citizen or you already have a valid UK visa or residence status. ETAs are only for those seeking to visit the UK.

How to apply for an ETA

The ETA application may be completed online or via the ETA app, available for iOS and Android. The process is designed to be quick and user-friendly, but accuracy is vital.

What you will need

• A valid biometric passport from an eligible country
• A clear, passport-style digital photo
• A credit or debit card to pay the £16 fee
• An email address where you’ll receive confirmation

How long does it take?

• Most decisions are made within 3 working days
• Some applications are approved within hours
• In rare cases, you may be asked for more information or checks, which can delay the process.

Once approved, your ETA is digitally linked to your passport. There is no need to print anything, but you must travel using the same passport you applied with. If you obtain a new passport, you must apply for a new ETA.

Common mistakes

Most common mistakes include:

1. Using the wrong passport

This may be common among dual nationals. Your ETA is electronically tied to the passport you applied with. If you switch to a different passport when travelling, the airline or border control may not be able to locate your ETA and you could be denied boarding.

2. Submitting a poor-quality photo

UK digital photo standards are strict. Common mistakes may include blurry or low-resolution image and photos where the applicant is wearing glasses or hats.

A rejected photo can delay the application.

3. Errors in passport details

Something as simple as a typo in your passport number or date of birth can result in an ETA refusal, or cause issues with boarding or entry to the UK where the details do not match your documentation. Always double-check that all information exactly matches your passport.

4. Overlooking immigration or criminal history

If you have been refused entry to the UK, overstayed a previous UK visa, been deported or have a criminal record, these could trigger an ETA refusal.

Even minor infractions may need explanation. If this sounds like you, it’s best to speak with an immigration advisor before you apply.

In addition, accidentally ticking yes to having a criminal history may lead to your ETA being refused even though this was a genuine mistake. It is not possible to change the answers on an ETA once submitted. In some circumstances, a further application for an ETA is approved, only to be cancelled on the basis of the previous ETA. In such circumstances, you should take advice on how to rectify the error.

5. Assuming an ETA guarantees entry

As mentioned above, a valid ETA gives you permission to travel to the UK, however, it does not guarantee you will be allowed in. At the border, you may still be asked about your travel plans, ties to your home country and/or whether you intend to settle in the UK.

If an officer believes your intended plans breach ETA rules, they may refuse entry. It’s important to understand and stay within the scope of what the ETA allows.

While the ETA application is usually fast, it is not recommended to apply just a few days before your flight to file an application. If your application is flagged for further checks, or if you make a mistake, you could miss your trip entirely. At Gherson, we assist on a vast variety of complex immigration matters. Should you require guidance, our dedicated immigration team may assist.

Updated: 09.07.2025

Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on UK visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

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