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Key Takeaways
- A UK ETA is tied to one passport, so the passport you give us must be the same passport you travel on.
- PassportsAndVisas.com completes your UK ETA application, checks your passport details and photo, and submits it for you.
- A UK ETA photo must be a clear, recent image of your face against a plain light background, with no glare.
- A new passport needs a new UK ETA, because the authorisation is linked to the passport it was issued for.
- A parent or helper can gather the documents for a child or relative; the traveler's own passport and photo are still what is needed.
What do I need to have ready for a UK ETA?
A UK ETA needs four things: the passport you will travel on, a recent face photo or live face scan, a working email address and a payment method. You also provide personal and background details.
What you need
- Your passportThe passport you will use to travel to the UK. The ETA is linked to it, so the details must match exactly.How to get it: Have the passport in front of you and enter its details exactly as printed.Watch out: Using an old or different passport than the one you fly on.Who needs it: Every traveler, including children
- A recent face photo or live face scanA clear image of your face, used to confirm that you are the person on the passport.How to get it: Take a selfie in good light against a plain light background. Our Digital Photo Service turns a selfie into a compliant photo.Watch out: Glare, shadows, hats, or a busy background.Who needs it: Every traveler, including children
- A working email addressYour ETA decision and updates are sent to this address.How to get it: Use an address you check regularly and type it carefully.Watch out: A mistyped email address, so the ETA never reaches you.Who needs it: Every traveler; a parent or helper's address can be used when applying for someone else
- A payment methodUsed to pay for your order with PassportsAndVisas.com.How to get it: Have a card or digital wallet ready when you place your order.Watch out: Waiting until the last moment to find a payment method that works.Who needs it: The person paying
- Personal and background detailsYour application includes questions about you and your background.How to get it: Answer them honestly and completely; our team checks your answers before submission.Watch out: Rushing through the questions and leaving gaps.Who needs it: Every traveler
Ready to apply for your UK ETA?
Get your UK ETA now →Does the passport have to match my UK ETA?
Yes. A UK ETA is linked to one passport, so you must travel on the same passport you used to apply. A new passport needs a new ETA.
The authorisation is connected to your passport details, so the details we enter must match the passport you will show at check-in and at the border. If you renew or replace your passport before your trip, apply again with the new passport.
Our team compares your passport details with your photo and your answers before submission. If your trip is soon and your passport is changing, tell us when you order so the right passport is used.
What photo do I need for a UK ETA?
A UK ETA photo is a clear, recent image of your face, taken facing the camera with a neutral expression against a plain light background, with no glare.
- Face the camera straight on with a neutral expression.
- Use a plain, light background.
- Avoid glare, shadows and filters.
- Keep your whole face visible, with nothing covering it.
You send us a selfie and we handle the formatting, so you do not need a studio photo.
For U.S. passport photos, see our guide to passport photo requirements.
Who needs a UK ETA and who does not?
The answer depends on your passport. Our visa checker shows your own result, and travelers who already hold a UK visa are covered by that visa rather than an ETA.
Each passport has one answer for the UK: an ETA, visa-free entry, or a visa. Use our visa checker to see the result for your passport.
British and Irish citizens and travelers who already hold a UK visa do not apply for an ETA. A visa holder should carry the visa and the passport it is linked to.
Not sure which one applies to your passport?
Get your UK ETA now →Can I apply for my child or on someone else's behalf?
Yes. A parent or helper can gather the documents and handle the order, but the application is still for the traveler's own passport, photo and details.
Each traveler, including every child, needs their own passport and their own photo. The person placing the order provides the payment method and an email address where updates can be sent.
For a family, gather every traveler's passport and a clear face photo of each one before you start, so nothing holds up the order.
Reader wants help with mistakes
Ask Sarah a question →What mistakes delay a UK ETA application?
The most common problems are a photo that does not meet the rules, a passport that does not match, a mistyped email address and rushed answers to the background questions.
| Cause | Why it happens | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| A photo that fails the rules | Glare, shadows, hats or a busy background make the face hard to verify. | Retake it in good light against a plain light wall, or send us a selfie and our Digital Photo Service handles the rest. |
| A passport that does not match | The ETA is linked to one passport, so a different one will not match. | Use the passport you will travel on, and apply again if you get a new one. |
| A mistyped email address | Your ETA and updates are sent there. | Read the address back before you submit. |
| Rushed answers | Gaps or inconsistencies in the personal and background questions slow the application. | Take your time; our team reviews every answer before submission. |
That review is what catches these problems before submission.
Why PassportsAndVisas.com for your UK ETA?
PassportsAndVisas.com completes your UK ETA application, checks every detail, submits it and sends your ETA to you. We have been a registered passport and visa expediter since 1992.
- We complete the application with you, step by step.
- We check your passport details, photo and answers before submission.
- We turn a selfie into a compliant photo with our Digital Photo Service.
- We submit the application and send your ETA to you when it is issued.
PassportsAndVisas.com is a private company, not the U.S. government. We have served 500K+ travelers and have 11,766 customer reviews.
“Excellent service by Passports and Visa! They assured me my passport would arrive on time, they reviewed all my documents to ensure they were accurate, and kept in contact with me throughout the entire process. I got my passport on time as promised!”
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