Navigating the New UK ETA: My First-Hand Experience

As a reminder, the UK has introduced a mandatory Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for visitors. Think of it as a digital travel permit that pre-clears you for entry. The good news is that once you apply and are approved, it is valid for multiple visits over two years, making future UK trips even easier. 

My Personal UK ETA Application Experience

As we are preparing for our upcoming visit to the UK, I recently went through this new process for myself and my family.  Here's what I discovered:

The UK government's official ETA app is your best friend here. It is recommended that you use the app vs. the website because you will need to scan the RFID chip in your passport and take a few photos of yourself and your passport. 

While there were a few technical quirks to navigate, my application was approved in just 8 minutes! Here's my step-by-step guide to success:

1. Download the Official UK ETA App. It is recommended to use the app over the website because it streamlines the process by using your phone's capabilities to scan documents and take photos.
   

2. It will ask you to take a photo of the first page of your passport, including the bar code info at the bottom.
   

3. Then the app will prompt you to scan the passport to read the RFID chip. The front of your passport should have a gold rectangle with a circle indicating that there is a chip. 
   

4. Photo Requirements: After completing this step, the app will guide you through completing both a scan of your face AND taking your photo.
   

5. Payment: After a few more questions, you pay the fee.

   
   

   Pro Tip: While the app suggests scanning the front (or back) of your closed passport, that did not work for me (and caused some frustration!) I found success by opening to the first photo page and scanning the lower right corner near my signature. 

   
   

The first time I went through this process it took many attempts to scan the RFID chip but after I discovered to scan the inside first page instead of following the app’s directions, it was very fast on the rest of my family’s individual applications. And, it took only 8 minutes for the application to be approved!

What Your ETA Allows

Your approved ETA opens up numerous possibilities for UK travel:

• 6-month stays for tourism, family visits, and business

• Short-term study opportunities (up to 6 months)

• Transit through the UK

• Special 3-month allowance for creative workers

• Paid permitted engagements (within first 30 days)

  
  

Important Travel Tips

• Your ETA approval is electronically linked to your passport

• No need to print anything – it's all digital!

• While you'll still go through border control, the process should be smoother

• Remember: If you get a new passport, you'll need a new ETA

• Everyone in the family needs an individual ETA
  

Frequently Asked Questions About the New ETA

• The current fee for a UK ETA is £10 (approximately $12)

• Most applications are processed quickly, but it's recommended to apply well in advance of your travel date. 

• You don’t need your flight/travel details to apply

• Verify if your nationality requires an ETA to travel to the UK 

• Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay in the UK. 

  
  

Planning Ahead

As your travel advisor, I recommend applying as early as possible before your trip. While my approval came through quickly, it's better to have this sorted well in advance of your British adventure!

Hope this helps. Always reach out if you want to chat about any upcoming travel plans!