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• UK ETA is a necessary authorization for those who want to enter the United Kingdom for short stays, such as business travel, tourism, or transit. 

• A face and passport scan is an important step in applying for UK Electronic Travel Authorization. 

• Applicants need to pay the application fee of £10 through a credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay, whichever payment method is suitable. 

The ETA is a system that is considered by the UK authorities to improve border security and make entry easy for eligible travelers. It is an online screening process that requires information to make sure that you meet the necessary criteria before entering the UK. Having knowledge of what information is mandatory in the application process is important because it lowers the chances of errors that can be a reason for delays in results or denial. 

In this guide, learn the steps covering what documents and information you need and why you require an ETA for the UK. 
 

Why UK ETA is Required 

The UK ETA is an entry requirement needed by travelers from eligible nationalities to enter the UK for short stays, regardless of the purpose of the visit, whether it is tourism, business, or transit. 

The purpose is to verify border control and traveler eligibility before arrival. ETA makes the application process slightly easier by allowing the applicant to submit their authorization online, which is fast and easy.  
 

Preparing for Your ETA Application 

As per the guidelines by UK Visas and Immigration, before you apply for a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), you should have all the required documents and information for the application process. Here is a guide to what you will need. 

Passport: Up-to-date passport for the duration of your UK stay. You must use the same passport with which you travel. Photocopy or digital passports will not be considered valid. 

Scan Your Face: A recent scanned photograph, as per UK ETA guidelines, is required.  

• You need to take a clear shot of your face in front of a plain, light-colored background and in even lighting. 

• You need to look directly at the camera, keeping your head straight. 

• Expressions need to be neutral, with eyes open and visible. Remove your glasses in case of any glare. 

• Your head and shoulders should be clearly visible in the picture. For this, you can either extend your arms or ask someone else to take your photo. 

• Do not wear any head covering except for medical and religious reasons. 

• Your picture must not include any shadows, people, or objects behind you. 

Payment Method: Have a credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay at hand because you'll need one to pay the application fee. 

Get Ready with Your Personal Information: Get ready to furnish personal details like your name, date of birth, nationality, address, job details, criminal history, and others as filled out in the application form. 
 

Step-by-Step Process to Apply for a UK ETA 

UK ETA is easy to apply through its phone application, which is available on the Apple Store or Google Play. You can also get the link from the official website of UK Visa and Immigration. After downloading the application, you will see the below screens. 

The first screen shows “How to Apply for a UK ETA.” 

The next screen is “What you will need.” As mentioned earlier, this screen will share the information that you need to enter before starting the application process. 

The next screen will include “Start your ETA application.” Click on “Continue” to start the application process. 

Confirm Your Identity 

The initial step is to confirm your identity, and for that, you need to follow some simple steps. Here’s what you need to do. 

Verify Your Email and Phone Number 

First of all, add your email address and verify it with the one-time password.  

The next step is to add the phone number and verify it. If you do not want to verify it, you can click on “I do not have a phone number” and skip this step. 

Scan Your Passport: 

After this step, you will be asked if your passport has a biometric chip. Check your passport well for the chip and answer this question. 

You will then be directed to take a photo of your passport. Click “Continue” to access the camera and to take a photo of your passport as per the guidelines provided to you on the UK ETA app.  

First, take a picture of the photo page. Hold the passport straight and make sure that the whole page is covered in the frame of the camera screen, including the photo and all the text mentioned from top to bottom.  

Your phone camera must be reading all the text details clearly, including the two lines consisting of letters and numbers at the bottom of the page. 

If you did not take the correct photo, the app will guide you by giving prompts to take the picture correctly. The prompts will be received at the top of your screen. 

The next step is to scan your passport with the symbol that you were asked to check before. If you have this symbol on the passport, it will be scanned by the app.  

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To initiate the scan, you need to remove your passport cover and phone cover. Then, place the phone on the top of your passport. Make sure that the top of your phone is in the middle of the passport. 

When scanning, turn on the phone volume to hear a beep when the scan is complete. If the app does not recognize your passport, try to adjust your phone accordingly. Make sure that the information picked after scanning the symbol and the details on the photos taken before must be the same. Mismatch in the information will lead to delays or even rejection of the application. 

Scan Your Face: 

Next, scan your face to verify your identity. Complete the scan of your face by holding the phone’s camera.  

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If you are applying on behalf of someone else, you are required to scan their face. Those who are 9 years of age or younger do not need to scan their face. 

Answer Questions to Complete Your Application 

The next step is to answer the questions that are mandatory for the ETA process. This involves knowing your nationality, job, address, criminal history, the purpose of your visit (e.g., tourism, business), and your anticipated arrival date in the UK.  

If you are below 18 years of age, then you have to share the information with your guardian or any person who has parental responsibility for you. 

Pay For Your Application 

After answering the questions and confirming your identity, pay the application fee of £10. Use your credit/debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay to make the payment. 

Submit Your UK ETA Application 

After the payment, your application to the UK ETA will be automatically submitted. Following this, you will get a confirmation email for the submission of your application. 

Final Decision 

Your final ETA decision for the UK might take a processing time of 3 working days after submission. It can be early or late, depending on the circumstances. 

When you get the ETA, it will automatically be linked to the passport you applied with, which will stay valid for two years.  

In fact, you can also delete the UK ETA app after applying, as your ETA application is then digitally linked to your passport. You do not need to show the online submission of the application to the authorities at the time of entry. 
 

What to Expect and Avoid After You Apply for UK ETA 

Know the next steps after your application for UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) has been submitted, including processing time, notifications, and possible problems. 

Processing Times and Notifications 

Generally, candidates will hear a decision about their ETA application within three working days from when it was submitted. You will get an email notification about the status of your ETA with the information that your application has been approved or that some additional information is needed.  

Processing times might also be further delayed while security checks are undertaken if application volumes are high during periods of peak travel or if there have been errors in the application. 

Handling Delays or Denials 

In case your application takes a little longer than usual, you better check your email to see if authorities have any messages for you.  

If your ETA is rejected, you can apply again or consider other visa types depending on your particular travel requirements. 

Storing Your ETA Confirmation 

After approval, make sure to have your ETA confirmation printed out, as well as a digital copy available on your smartphone or other device, since you will need the information in the UK as well. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid 

To facilitate an easy application process, double-check the details you are submitting and make sure the information you have provided is correct and complete.  

Apply well in advance of the dates when you plan to travel to avoid any unforeseen issues. Also, don’t wait until the last minute. 

Keep a copy of your ETA confirmation. This will make it easier to access while traveling, and you will have proof of your authorization if needed.  
 

FAQs About UK ETA Application Process 

1. Can I make corrections to my UK ETA application after submission? 

No, after the UK ETA application is submitted, you cannot change or correct anything. If you discover there was an error, you must submit a new application. 

2. Is it possible for a whole family to apply for a UK ETA in one application? 

Each family member requires their own personal UK ETA application. You are not allowed to send in group applications, even if family members are traveling together.