19. June 2026
Planning a Trip to the UK? Don’t Overlook an ETA
Planning a trip to the UK should be exciting, not confusing. However, with the introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), many visitors now need to secure digital permission before they travel. While an ETA is usually a straightforward step for short visits, it is not the same as a visa. If an ETA application is refused, it can leave you unsure about whether you can still enter the UK or what to do next.
What is an ETA?
An ETA is a digital authorisation that allows certain visitors to travel to the UK, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man for short stays of up to 6 months. It gives permission to travel, but it does not guarantee entry. The final decision on whether a person is allowed to enter is still made at the border. For that reason, travellers should make sure their purpose of visit is genuine, their plans are clear, and they can explain the reason for their trip if asked.
Who needs an ETA?
An ETA applies to visitors who can usually travel to the UK without applying for a visit visa in advance, often referred to as “non-visa nationals”. The requirement depends on your nationality and immigration status, not simply where you are travelling from. The list of nationalities covered by the scheme can change, so each traveller should check the current requirements before booking or travelling.
This can include people travelling for tourism, visiting family or friends, certain business activities, short study, or some transit journeys through the UK. Each traveller needs their own ETA, including babies and children.
Some people do not need an ETA, including British and Irish citizens and those who already hold valid UK immigration permission, such as a visa, settled status or another form of permission to live, work or study in the UK.
What is an ETA not?
An ETA is not:
- Permission to reside in the UK;
- Evidence of right to work in the UK;
- Status that allows you to apply for work, study or family visas from within the UK.
If you are seeking to live, work, study or join family in the UK, an ETA is unlikely to be the right route.
Get in touch for advice on your circumstances and the visa options that may be available to you.
Can a dual British national apply for an ETA instead of a passport?
British citizens cannot use an ETA to travel to the UK as an alternative to proving their British citizenship. If you are a British citizen, you must normally travel to the UK using a valid British passport or, where appropriate, a Certificate of Entitlement to the right of abode in a non-UK passport.
If you are a British citizen with upcoming travel to the UK and do not currently hold a valid British passport or Certificate of Entitlement, get in touch for advice on the most appropriate option and assistance with the relevant application.
How do you apply for an ETA?
To apply for an ETA, you must apply via the UK ETA App or online. You are required to submit details of your passport, a photograph and basic information about your personal circumstances.
The current government fee is £20 and is non-refundable. Many applicants receive a decision quickly, but some applications can take several working days. You should apply well before you travel, especially if there is anything in your immigration or criminal history that may affect the application.
Once granted, a UK ETA is valid for multiple journeys over 2 years, or until the passport used for the application expires, whichever is sooner. If you renew or change your passport, you will need to apply for a new ETA before travelling.
You can check your ETA here: https://www.gov.uk/check-eta
If you are unsure whether you need an ETA, or if there is anything in your immigration history that may affect your application, contact us before you apply so we can advise on the best approach and help avoid issues that could affect your application.
What happens if an ETA is refused?
If an ETA is refused, this does not necessarily mean that you are permanently prevented from visiting the UK. Depending on your circumstances, a visit visa application may still be a viable option.
A refusal may arise for a range of reasons, including previous immigration history, criminality concerns, suitability issues, or information provided in the application.
Where an ETA has been refused, applying for a Standard Visitor visa is often the next appropriate step. Unlike an ETA application, a visit visa application allows you to provide supporting evidence and detailed representations explaining your circumstances, the purpose of your visit, your ties to your home country, your financial position, and why you meet the visitor requirements. A visit visa application does not guarantee that permission will be granted, but it gives you the opportunity to explain your position and provide documents for review by a Home Office caseworker.
Before making a further application, it is important to understand why the ETA was refused and whether a visit visa application can address the concerns raised. A carefully prepared application can help present your case clearly and reduce the risk of avoidable mistakes, especially where there is previous immigration history or where the purpose of travel needs to be explained in more detail.
If your ETA has been refused, we can help you assess your options and support with preparing a visit visa application. Get in touch for advice with a refused ETA.
Contact Us
If your ETA has been refused or if you are unsure whether you need an ETA or a visit visa, we can help you understand your options before you travel.
Contact us for tailored advice, assistance with reviewing an ETA refusal, or support with preparing a strong visit visa application with the right evidence and representations.
This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice or a professional relationship. UK immigration rules change frequently; you should not act on this information without a formal consultation tailored to your specific circumstances.