Before you apply for an ETA using the ‘UK ETA’ app, you need:

• the passport you will travel with – not a photocopy or digital passport
• an email address
• a credit card, debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay

This app is only available in English.

Check if you can use the app on your phone

iPhone users

The ‘UK ETA’ app is available for iPhone 7 and newer models. You will need:

• an iPhone 7, 7 Plus or newer
• iOS 16 or later – to find the software version installed, go to Settings > General, then About
• at least 179MB of storage space to install the app
• to be connected to 3G, 4G, 5G or WiFi

Download the app from the App Store.

Android users

You will need:

• Android 12 or later – you can find this in your settings
• at least 165MB of storage space to install the app
• to be connected to 3G, 4G, 5G or WiFi
• NFC (Near-Field Communication) so the app can scan your passport – you can find this in your settings. If you can use your phone to pay for things using contactless, this means it has NFC and you can use the app

Download the app from the Google Play Store.

Whichever phone you use, the app will need access to the camera. If the app does not request access, enable it in your settings.

ApplyingCheck forif someoneyou else

You can use the app to apply for an ETA for someone else,else

If ifyou they are with the person you atwant theto timeapply for, you apply.can Thisuse isthe becauseapp. youYou will need to take a photo of them and scan their face.

To apply for someone who is not with you, apply online.

You can only apply and pay for one application at a time.

Take a photo of yourthe passport

Take a picturephoto of the photo page of your passport using your phone’s camera. The full page must be inside. Make sure your phone camera is focused on the text on the page.

The app will prompt you to adjust your phone to make sure you capture your passport correctly. These prompts will appear in a text box at the top of your screen.

Make sure youthe includephoto:

• includes the entirewhole photo page inof your picture.
  passport
• is not blurry

Try taking the photo of your passport at arm’s length if you have problems.

Scan yourthe passport

If your passport has this symbol on the cover, it can be scanned by the app.

Remove any cases or covers from your passport and phone.

Place the phone on top of your passport. Aim the top of your phone with the middle of your passport.

If the volume on your phone is turned up, you will hear a beep when your passport has been recognised.

If the app does not recognise your passport, move your phone around the passport.

United States passports

If scanning the front of the passport does not work, place the phone on the inside of the back cover.

If youryou passport does not have the symbol, or the app cannot readscan ityour passport

The app will readtake your passport details from the photo of your passport.

Check these details carefully. If they do not match what it says on your passport, your application will be delayed or rejected.

ScanTake youra face scan

HoldThe yourapp phone’swill camerause inyour frontcamera ofto scan your faceface. untilThis theis scanningto isconfirm complete.you are a real person.

Hold youyour willphone’s notcamera bein askedfront toof scan your face.face until the scanning is complete.

Take a face photo

You need to take a photo of yourselfyour face using the app. If you are applying for someone else, such as a child, take a photo of their face.

You must:

• be in even lighting, against a plain, light-coloured background
• keep your head straight and look directly at the camera
• have a neutral expression and make sure your eyes are open and visible – remove your glasses if there is any glare
• include your head and shoulders (you can extend your arms or ask someone to take the photo for you)

You must not:

• wear a head covering (unless it is for religious or medical reasons)
• have any shadows, objects or people behind you

Complete yourthe application

You need to answer questions about your:

• address
• job
• criminal history
• other nationalities, if you have any

You need to answer questions about any criminal convictions. Describe these in as much detail as you can, including:

• the type of offence (for example, theft, assault or fraud)
• the date of conviction
• the sentence you received (for example, a fine, community service or prison sentence)

If you are under 18, you need to give contact details for someone who has parental responsibility for you.

Pay for the application

You need to pay in the app.

You It will getshow ayou confirmationthe emailprice toin saythe youlocal submittedcurrency for your application.country. You can change which currency you pay in.

When

You can use:

• Apple Pay
• Google Pay
• American Express
• JCB
• Mastercard
• Visa

Your bank may need you willto:

• enter geta security code
• open your ETAbank app to confirm it is you making the payment

After you apply

WeYou will sendget you an email whento weconfirm makeyou asubmitted decision on your ETA.application.

You will usually get aanother decisionemail withinwith 3a workingdecision days,on butyour youapplication. mayThis getcan atake quicker3 decision.working days.

Occasionally,These itemails maywill takeinclude longeryour than16-digit 3ETA workingreference days.number.

You can delete the app whenafter you finish applying.

Travelling with an ETA

Your ETA willis be linked to your passport digitally,digitally. andYou youdo will not need to show anything else whento show you enterhave thean UK.ETA.

If you need help using the app

If you have problems using the app, you can apply online instead.

You can also ask about ETA if you need help.