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UK ETA APPLICATION GUIDE

UK ETA Requirements: What You Need to Apply

Prepare the passport, photograph and basic information you need before starting your UK Electronic Travel Authorisation application.

UK ETA Requirements at a Glance

Here is everything you need to prepare before applying

DOCUMENT

Passport Bio Page

A clear image of the photo/details page of the passport you will use to travel.

PHOTO

Recent Face Photograph

A clear, recent digital photograph of the applicant that meets the required photo standards.

CONTACT

Email Address

A valid email address for application and decision communications.

PAYMENT

Payment Method

A supported payment method will be required when payment is due.

Only Two Documents/Images to Prepare

For most online UK ETA applications, the main images/documents to prepare are:

Passport bio/data page
Recent face photograph

Your email address and payment method are also required, but they are not documents. Additional personal information will be entered directly into the application.

This applies to standard online applications. In unusual circumstances, additional information may be requested.

Passport Bio Page Requirements

Prepare Your Passport Image

You must use the same passport you intend to travel with. The ETA becomes electronically linked to this passport.

Make sure your passport is valid and current when you apply. If you plan to renew your passport soon, apply for your ETA with your current passport first.

Practical Requirements

•Photograph the bio/photo/data page clearly
•Include the entire relevant passport page
•Image should be clear and readable
•Photograph must not be blurry
•Key passport details must be visible
•Avoid glare and reflections
•Do not crop out important edges or details

Why This Matters

When your ETA is granted, it becomes electronically linked to the passport you used for the application.

If you later use a different or new passport, you may need to apply for a new ETA. Your current ETA will only be valid for the passport it was issued with.

Good Practice Tips

✓Use natural lighting from a window or lamp
✓Take the photo from straight above, not at an angle
✓Place passport on a plain, light-coloured surface
✓Use a modern smartphone camera for best quality

✓ Good Passport Image

✓Full bio page visible
✓Text readable
✓Passport photo visible
✓Good lighting
✓No glare
✓Sharp focus
✓Correct passport

✗ Images to Avoid

✗Blurry photo
✗Cropped passport page
✗Strong glare
✗Fingers covering information
✗Wrong/old passport
✗Unreadable details

UK ETA Face Photo Requirements

Photo Quality

•Clear and in focus
•In colour
•Taken in good lighting
•No filters or alteration

Background & Composition

•Plain light-coloured background
•Head, shoulders & upper body visible
•Vertically oriented
•No other people or objects

Facial Features

•Facing camera, looking straight
•Eyes open and visible
•Plain expression, mouth closed
•No hair covering eyes

Complete Photo Requirements

Must Include:

✓Recent
✓Clear and in focus
✓In colour
✓Taken in good lighting
✓Vertically oriented
✓Against a plain light-coloured background
✓Show head, shoulders and upper body
✓Show facial features clearly
✓Applicant facing and looking straight at camera
✓Plain/neutral expression
✓Mouth closed
✓Eyes open and visible
✓No hair covering eyes
✓No shadows obscuring the face
✓No unnecessary objects or other people
✓No filters or digital alteration

Glasses:

Glasses should preferably be removed unless needed for vision. If you must wear glasses:

•Cannot be sunglasses or tinted
•Eyes must be clearly visible
•No glare, reflection or shadow from frames

Head Coverings:

Allowed where required for religious or medical reasons, while keeping facial features clearly visible.

Digital Photo Format Specifications

Image Dimensions

Minimum width: 600 pixels
Minimum height: 750 pixels
Orientation: Vertical (portrait)

File Specifications

Format: JPG or JPEG
Minimum file size: 50 KB
Maximum file size: 6 MB

✓ A Good ETA Photo

✓Plain light background
✓Face clearly visible
✓Straight toward camera
✓Good lighting
✓Sharp focus
✓Natural colour
✓No filters

✗ Photos to Avoid

✗Selfie filters
✗Heavy shadows
✗Sunglasses
✗Face partly covered
✗Other people in image
✗Photograph of another printed photograph
✗Mirrored/flipped image

Photo Requirements for Children and Babies

Children (Age 1-6)

•Must be alone in the image
•Do not need to look directly at the camera
•Relaxed expression allowed
•Otherwise follow standard photo requirements

Babies (Under 1)

•Do not need to have eyes open
•Must not hold toys or use dummies
•Can be supported by your hand (hand not visible in photo)
•Should lie on a plain light-coloured sheet
•Take photo from directly above

See our FAQ about children and ETAs for more guidance.

Email Address Requirement

A working email address is required for application communications and to receive your ETA decision.

Practical Tips

•Enter your email address carefully
•Check the spelling before submitting
•Check your spam or junk folder regularly
•Use an inbox you can access reliably
•Keep the decision email for your records

Your email address will also be used if UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) needs to contact you about your application.

Payment Method

A supported payment method is required when payment is due during the application.

Have a valid payment method available when you reach the payment step. The available payment options will be shown during checkout.

Important Notes

•Payment is required to complete your application
•No refunds are available once you have applied
•Make sure your payment method is valid and has sufficient funds

Information You May Need to Enter

This section explains the personal information you may be asked to provide during the application. These are not additional documents — you will enter this information directly into the application form.

Basic Application Information

1
Full name
2
Date of birth
3
Passport information
4
Home address

Background Information

5
Occupation/employment
6
Other nationalities
7
Criminal convictions
8
Contact details

Special Cases

For applicants under 18, parental or guardian responsibility contact information may be required where applicable.

Documents You Do Not Normally Need for a Standard ETA Application

A standard ETA application generally does NOT involve uploading traditional visa-style supporting documents such as:

×Bank statements

×Hotel booking confirmations

×Flight tickets

×Invitation letters

×Employment letters

×Proof of accommodation

Important: This applies to standard ETA applications. In unusual circumstances or for certain eligibility queries, UK Visas and Immigration may request additional information. The UK ETA is a streamlined electronic process designed to be quick and straightforward.

UK ETA Requirements vs UK Visa Documents

UK ETA

•Streamlined electronic authorisation
•Passport image
•Face photograph
•Basic personal/application information
•Email/payment method

UK Visa

•Varies significantly by visa route
•May require supporting evidence
•Depends on application category
•Typically more documentation-intensive
•Processing times generally longer

Before You Start Your UK ETA Application

Check your passport nationality is ETA eligible

Have the correct passport ready

Prepare a clear passport bio-page image

Prepare a recent compliant face photo

Have access to your email

Have a payment method ready

Make sure your application information is accurate

Once you have prepared these items, you will be ready to check your eligibility and start your application.