The ETA application is relatively simple and fast. However, you must be careful to use the official application dedicated to the Electronic Travel Authorization application.
It is imperative to do this at least 72 hours before your departure, but we recommend that you do it a few weeks in advance to anticipate any complications.
If you need to get/renew your passport, wait until you receive the new version before starting the process.
Download the official UK ETA app
Download the official UK ETA app on your smartphone (the only official app to carry out this process): available on Google Play or the App Store.
Do not, under any circumstances, go through third-party applications or external providers whose only purpose is to overcharge you for this process.
For those who do not have access to a suitable smartphone, it is still possible to make a standard online application, still via the official UK government website.
Prepare the documents necessary for your ETA application:
- The passport you will use for your trip to the United Kingdom
- Access to your email account
- A credit card for the ETA payment (payment can also be made via Google Pay or Apple Pay)
If you are applying for an ETA for several people, they must also be physically present with their own required documents when you perform the procedure for them.
Steps of the process
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Enter your email address to which a security code will be sent: after entering it in the UK ETA application, you will be prompted to enter your phone number.
- Take a photo of the page of your passport containing your photo and personal information. All information must be legible.
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Scan the biometric chip of your passport with your smartphone (enable the NFC function if necessary): Place your smartphone on the passport for the application (remove any covers or cases). The chip is located in the bottom half of your passport, so place your phone there.
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Scan your face with your smartphone’s camera (only for travelers aged 10 and over)
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Take a photo of yourself against a neutral background, without shadows or objects. Head and shoulders must be visible and your facial expression should be neutral. Head coverings are only permitted for religious or medical reasons.
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Answer the personal information questions
- Your address
- Nationality in addition to the one shown on your passport
- Your professional activity
- Answer 2 internal security questions
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Verification and payment: £20 (~€24 - price subject to change) which you can pay by card or via Google/Apple Pay.
- Receipt of the confirmation email for your ETA.
The ETA is valid from the moment of confirmation—you cannot choose its effective start date—and is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires.
After receiving the email, you will have no paper or other document to present other than your passport, as your ETA is linked digitally and invisibly to it.
However, you will only be able to reapply once your ETA has expired.