Using the 'UK ETA' app
Source: gov.uk (2025-11-17)

Information on using the app to apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to come to the UK.

Before you apply for an ETA (https://www.gov.uk/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 (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/uk-eta/id6444912481).

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 (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.gov.HomeOffice.ho3).

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

Check if you can apply for someone else

If you are with the person you want to apply for, you can use the app. You will need to take a photo of them and scan their face.

To apply for someone who is not with you, apply online (https://apply-for-an-eta.homeoffice.gov.uk/apply/electronic-travel-authorisation).

Take a photo of the passport

You must take a photo of the same passport you will use to travel to the UK. It must be the original passport, not a photocopy or digital passport.

Take a photo of the photo page of your passport using your phone’s camera.

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 the photo:
- includes the whole photo page of your passport
- is not blurry
Try taking the photo of your passport at arm’s length if you have problems.

Scan the 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 you cannot scan your passport

The app will take 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.

Take a face scan

The app will use your camera to scan your face. This is to confirm you are a real person.

If you are applying for someone aged 10 or older, you need to scan their face.You will not be asked to scan the face of a child aged 9 or younger.

Hold your phone’s camera in front of your face until the scanning is complete.

Take a face photo

You need to take a photo of your 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
The app will tell you if your photo does not meet the requirements. You can still submit it if you need to – for example, because of religious or medical reasons.

You can retake the photo before submitting it.

Complete the application

You need to answer questions about your:
- address
- job
- 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. It will show you the price in the local currency for your country. You can change which currency you pay in.

You can use:
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
- American Express
- JCB
- Mastercard
- Visa
Your bank may need you to:
- enter a security code
- open your bank app to confirm it is you making the payment
After you apply

You will get an email to confirm you submitted your application.

You will get another email with a decision on your application. This can take 3 working days.

These emails will include your 16-digit ETA reference number.

You can delete the app after you finish applying.

Travelling with an ETA

Your ETA is linked to your passport digitally. You do not need anything else to show you have an ETA.

If you need help using the app

If you have problems using the app, you can apply online (https://apply-for-an-eta.homeoffice.gov.uk/apply/electronic-travel-authorisation) instead.

You can also ask about ETA (https://ukimmigration-support-webchat.homeoffice.gov.uk/eta) if you need help.