UK ETA application and photo

The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system requires eligible travellers to obtain approval before entering the country for short visits. Applications are completed digitally and include submitting a recent facial photograph that meets official standards.

Read this article to learn how the process works and how to take a high-quality photo for a UK ETA in a few seconds.

Table of contents

• UK Electronic Travel Authorisation explained
• How to apply for a UK ETA
• Documents required for a UK ETA
• What kind of photo is needed for a UK ETA?
• Get a digital photo for a UK ETA online!
• How to upload your UK ETA photo
• What happens if your UK ETA photo is rejected?
• UK ETA application processing time
• UK ETA validity
• FAQ

UK Electronic Travel Authorisation explained

The UK ETA is a pre-travel permission required for eligible visitors entering the country for short stays. It does not replace a visa and does not apply to everyone, so checking your status before making travel plans is essential. Here you'll find out who needs an ETA, who is exempt, and how it differs from a standard UK visa.

Purpose of the Electronic Travel Authorisation

The ETA allows UK authorities to conduct security and identity checks before a traveller arrives at the border. It applies to short visits for tourism, business, family visits, short-term study, permitted paid engagements, and some transit journeys. An ETA does not guarantee entry: the final decision remains with Border Force officers upon arrival.

Who must apply

Travellers from eligible visa-free countries must obtain an ETA before entering the UK, even for brief visits of up to six months. The requirement also applies to children and infants, with each traveller needing their own authorisation. Eligibility depends on nationality and the purpose of travel to the UK, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man, so applicants should always verify the latest rules before making plans.

If you’re from Europe, the USA, Australia, Canada or certain other countries, you usually need an ETA rather than a visa.

Find out whether you need an ETA or a visa to come to the UK by checking this page on the Gov.uk website.

Who is exempt

You do NOT need a UK ETA if you:

• hold a British or Irish passport;
• already have a valid UK visa;
• have permission to live, work, or study in the UK;
• are lawfully resident in Ireland and enter the UK from within the Common Travel Area;
• fall into specific exempt categories, such as certain transport crew members or individuals exempt from immigration control.

ETA vs. UK visa: what’s the difference

A UK ETA is a travel authorisation for eligible visitors who are already exempt from obtaining a visa for short stays. The application is completed online, requires fewer supporting documents, and is intended for activities permitted under visitor rules.

A UK visa, by contrast, involves a separate immigration application process and is required for travellers whose nationality or purpose of visit falls outside the ETA scheme, including long-term work, study, or settlement.

How to apply for a UK ETA

You can submit a UK ETA application through the official app or online through the official website. Below, we explain both application methods.

Applying with the UK ETA app

Best for: applying for yourself or for someone who is with you in person.

Follow these steps:

1. Download the official UK ETA App from Google Play or the App Store. Your device must support NFC technology and run a compatible operating system.
2. Take a photo of your passport and scan its biometric chip using your phone.
3. Complete the identity check by scanning your face and taking a selfie.
4. Answer the required questions and pay the application fee with a bank card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.

The process usually takes around 10 minutes. Most applicants receive a decision within a few minutes.

Applying online without the app

Best for: applicants whose phones do not support the app or those applying for someone who is not present.

Follow these steps:

1. Visit the official application page on GOV.UK.
2. Complete the online form with your personal information and passport details.
3. Upload a digital picture of your passport for the UK ETA and a recent photo of the applicant.
4. Pay the fee using a card or another supported payment method.

Most decisions arrive by email within 24 hours, although processing can take up to three working days.

Documents required for a UK ETA

Most applicants need only a small number of documents, but every detail must match their travel records exactly.

Core documents

• A valid passport: Use the passport you intend to travel with, as your ETA will be linked to it electronically. It must be a biometric passport issued by an eligible country. Expired passports and copies are not accepted.
• Two digital photos: You must provide a current facial photo for the UK ETA application and a scan/photo of your passport info page.
• An active email address: The authorities will send your application updates and final decision by email.
• A payment method: The ETA fee is £20. You can pay with a credit or debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.

Additional information

• Criminal history: The application includes questions about criminal convictions and custodial sentences. Answer them accurately and completely.
• Special circumstances: Some travellers may need extra documents depending on the purpose of their visit. For example, certain science and engineering students must obtain an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate.

What kind of photo is needed for a UK ETA?

In order to apply for an ETA, you will require two types of photographs.

• A scan of your passport information page.
• A passport-style selfie of your face.

Below, we explain the exact UK ETA application photo requirements your images must satisfy.

If you use the UK ETA app:

The app takes your photo directly with your phone's camera, so you do not need to upload a separate image file. It checks basic requirements automatically and allows you to retake the picture if necessary.

If you apply online:

Online applicants must upload a digital photo that meets these specifications:

• The size of the photo file for a UK ETA must be between 50 KB and 10 MB.
• Format: JPEG (.jpg or .jpeg).
• Minimum dimensions: minimum 600 × 750 pixels.
• Background: Plain and light-coloured, such as cream or light grey.
• Expression: Neutral, with eyes open and mouth closed.
• Headwear and glasses: Not permitted unless required for religious or medical reasons.
• For a photo of your passport:
  • You must scan or photograph the original passport, not a photocopy.
  • The image must be clear and complete. It must show the entire passport information page, with all text, your photo, and the barcode free from glare, shadows, or reflections.

Regardless of the application method, follow these rules:

• Face the camera directly and keep your head and shoulders fully visible.
• Submit a colour photograph.
• Use a photo taken within one month before applying.
• The photo for your ETA should be different from the photo in your passport.

Here is a UK ETA photo example:

How to take a UK ETA photo for a baby? Children aged 10 and under do not need a separate facial photo for a UK ETA application. The identity verification step that requires scanning the applicant's face also does not apply to this age group. Instead, you only need to take or upload a clear image of the child's passport information page when applying through the official UK ETA app or the GOV.UK website. The system will not ask for a photo of the child's face.

Get a digital photo for a UK ETA online!

With Visafoto, you can prepare a UK ETA photo from home without visiting a photo studio. The service automatically checks your image and adjusts it to match official requirements. Here is how it works:

1. Upload a photo taken in good natural light.
2. Choose the country and document type (e.g., United Kingdom, ETA).

That's it! We'll take care of the rest for you. Visafoto will adjust the image to meet the application photo specifications for a US visa, passport, or ETA. Adjustments include background, size, and head positioning. You will receive a digital file ready for online submission, as well as a printable version.

The service can also improve lighting, increase image clarity, and fix framing issues. You don't even need to take a new photo – you can simply photograph an existing passport photo with your phone, and Visafoto will optimise the quality of the scan. When a photo already meets the required standards, Visafoto leaves it unchanged.

Original image:

Edited with Visafoto:

Visafoto has processed more than 1 million approved photos and maintains a 99.7% acceptance rate. If your image is rejected, the service offers a full refund. Customer support is available 24/7.

How to upload your UK ETA photo

The upload process depends on whether you apply through the mobile app or the GOV.UK website. Each method handles identity verification differently. Read on to learn how to upload your UK ETA photo without common mistakes.

Using the UK ETA app

The official app captures your photo during the application, so you do not need to upload a separate image file.

The steps are:

1. Download the UK ETA app.
2. Take a photo of your passport for the UK ETA.
3. Scan the passport chip.
4. Complete the facial scan.
5. Take a selfie.
6. Answer the required questions and pay the fee.

The app checks your photo instantly and asks for a new image if the current one does not meet the requirements.

Applying online without the app

If you apply on the government website, you must upload a digital photo stored on your device.

To upload your image:

1. Open the face photo section of the application form.
2. Click Choose file and select your photo.
3. Wait while the system verifies the image.
4. If the photo is rejected, upload another file.
5. If the photo passes the checks, confirm it and continue with your application.

What happens if your UK ETA photo is rejected?

The system will typically reject the photo during the application process if it does not meet the British ETA photo requirements and the identity cannot be verified. A rejected photo does not automatically mean that your entire application has failed. In many cases, applicants can provide a new image and continue the process after correcting the issue. Here, you'll learn what to do if the UK ETA is not accepting your photo.

You will receive a notification (by email or on-screen message) stating that your ETA has been refused, often providing a reason such as:

• “Photo did not meet requirements”
• “Identity could not be verified”
• “Unclear passport scan.”

If the App rejects your photo:

• Improve the lighting and background: Shadows and busy backgrounds cause many rejections. Take the photo in a bright area with even light and stand against a plain, light-coloured wall.
• Check your device settings: Some applicants have reported better results after removing their phone case while scanning documents. iPhone users should also save images in JPEG format.
• Let the app handle the framing: Do not crop the UK ETA app picture of yourself. Look directly at the camera, keep your eyes open, maintain a neutral expression, and ensure your face and shoulders are clearly visible.

If you apply on the website:

The online application allows you to upload another file if the first image does not pass the checks. Follow the same tips above for lighting and background. The system looks for clear, compliant image files in the required JPEG format.

If your UK ETA photo keeps getting rejected, you can resubmit your application with a corrected image.

UK ETA application processing time

Most applications are decided quickly, although processing times can vary depending on individual circumstances. Here you'll find out how long UK ETA decisions typically take.

The UK government states that most applicants receive a decision within 3 working days. Many approvals arrive much faster, often on the same day.

The authorities send the result to the email address used in your application. If no message arrives after 3 working days, check your spam or junk folder before contacting UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) for help.

UK ETA validity

An approved ETA remains valid for a fixed period and can often be used for multiple visits within that timeframe. Below, we explain how long a UK ETA lasts.

A UK ETA remains valid for two years from the date of approval or until the linked passport expires, whichever comes first. During that period, you can use it for multiple visits to the United Kingdom.

Each stay can last up to six months for purposes such as tourism, business trips, family visits, and short courses of study. Because the ETA is tied to your passport, obtaining a new passport means applying for a new authorisation as well.

FAQ

How do I apply for a UK ETA?

You can apply through the official GOV.UK website or the UK ETA mobile app. You will need a valid passport, a recent photo, an email address, and a payment method for the £20 fee. Most applicants receive a decision within a few minutes or within three working days.

Can I apply for a UK ETA online without the app?

Yes. The GOV.UK website offers a full online application option for people who cannot use the mobile app. You must complete the form, upload your passport and facial photos, and pay the required fee. Decisions are usually sent by email within three working days.

Can I edit my UK ETA application after submitting it?

No. Once you submit your application, you cannot change or withdraw it. If you enter incorrect passport details, a misspelled name, or other important information, you must submit a new application. The same rule applies if you receive a new passport after your ETA is issued.

How can I check my UK ETA application status?

UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) sends the decision directly to your email address, and there is no separate tool for tracking applications that are still under review. Most results arrive within one day, although the official timeframe is up to three working days. If you do not see an email, check your spam or junk folder.

After approval, you can use the GOV.UK Check your ETA service to confirm that your authorisation is valid and see its expiry date. You will need the passport linked to your application.

Can I enter the UK multiple times with an ETA?

Yes. A UK ETA permits multiple visits during its validity period. It remains valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Each stay can last up to six months.

Can I apply again if my UK ETA is rejected?

Yes, but the next step depends on the reason for the decision:

• If your application was rejected: this usually means the process could not be completed, often because of identity verification problems or an unsuitable photo. You can submit a new application and pay the fee again.
• If your application was refused: the authorities reviewed your case and decided not to grant an ETA. Refusals generally relate to immigration history or criminal matters. There is no appeal process, but you may still apply for a Standard Visitor visa, which involves a fuller assessment of your circumstances.