Using the 'UK ETA' app 9.4.2026 | Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs Information on using the app to apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to travel to the UK, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man. Before you apply for an 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. 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. 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. Take a photo of the passport You must take a photo of the same passport you will use to travel to the UK, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man. 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 Top tips on how to scan a passport biometric chip: video - GOV.UK 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. Video: how to scan a passport biometric chip Watch our video on how to scan a passport biometric chip. Top tips: scan a passport biometric chip 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. The app will tell you if your photo does not meet the photo requirements. You can still submit it if you need to – for example, if you have a head covering because of religious or medical reasons. You can retake the photo before submitting it. Video: how to take a digital photo Watch our video on how to take a suitable digital photo. UKVI guidance: taking a photo 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 instead. You can also ask about ETA if you need help. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/using-the-uk-eta-app