UK ETA Application Process and Our Chaotic Experience
The UK government has introduced a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme, requiring visitors from visa-exempt countries to obtain approval before travelling to the UK. This digital pre-authorization is designed to enhance border security and streamline entry procedures.
However, many travellers have reported frustrations with the application process and unexpected hurdles.
Here’s what you need to know about the ETA system, along with our personal experience of navigating the application process and the UK ETA application issues we had.
What is the UK ETA?
The ETA is an electronic travel permit required for non-visa nationals travelling to the UK for short stays, tourism, business, or transit. Similar to the US ESTA or Canada’s eTA, this digital approval must be obtained before arrival.
How to Apply for a UK ETA
The application process is relatively straightforward (or at least it seems that way on paper):
✅ Apply Online – travellers must complete an application form through the official UK government website or mobile app.
✅ Provide Personal Details - you must submit information such as passport details, travel history, and biometric data (photo).
✅ Pay the Fee - the application must be processed with a small fee (currently set at £10).
✅ Receive the ETA Decision – most applications are approved within 72 hours and linked electronically to the traveller’s passport.
✅ Apply Online – travellers must complete an application form through the official UK government website or mobile app.
✅ Provide Personal Details - you must submit information such as passport details, travel history, and biometric data (photo).
✅ Pay the Fee - the application must be processed with a small fee (currently set at £10).
✅ Receive the ETA Decision – most applications are approved within 72 hours and linked electronically to the traveller’s passport.
Our Experience with the ETA Application
Thinking we’d finish this quickly, we downloaded the UK ETA app (because apps make life easier, right?). We had 40 minutes before we had to move on to other things — that should be plenty, we thought😅.
First, we entered our email, got a verification code, and confirmed we had a biometric passport.
So far, so good. Then, we had to scan our passport’s photo page. Easy! Except…
→ The app hated reflections. Even the slightest glare and it would reject the scan.
→The passport’s electronic chip confusion began. We spent amount of time trying to figure out which “chip” the instructions were referring to (spoiler: it was on the back cover of our passport).
→The shaky-hand curse struck. Holding the phone perfectly still while scanning the chip was surprisingly tricky. Each failure meant going back a few steps, like playing the board game Circus 🎲.
Once the passport was accepted, we had to capture our faces.
→ First, a profile shot. The app helpfully told us when we were too close or too far.
→ Next, a proper passport-style photo. White background, no strong shadows. (I briefly contemplated photoshopping a “better” version but resisted.)
❌ Then came the payment step. And that’s where the real nightmare began.
The system just… stalled. We waited two minutes, then five, then ten, and still no confirmation.
There was no cancel button. The only option? Go back. And where did that take us? Right to the start. Back to scanning passports, fighting reflections, and cursing the barcode process all over again.
→ After several attempts (and nearly throwing the phone across the room), we gave up for the day.
First, we entered our email, got a verification code, and confirmed we had a biometric passport.
So far, so good. Then, we had to scan our passport’s photo page. Easy! Except…
→ The app hated reflections. Even the slightest glare and it would reject the scan.
→The passport’s electronic chip confusion began. We spent amount of time trying to figure out which “chip” the instructions were referring to (spoiler: it was on the back cover of our passport).
→The shaky-hand curse struck. Holding the phone perfectly still while scanning the chip was surprisingly tricky. Each failure meant going back a few steps, like playing the board game Circus 🎲.
Once the passport was accepted, we had to capture our faces.
→ First, a profile shot. The app helpfully told us when we were too close or too far.
→ Next, a proper passport-style photo. White background, no strong shadows. (I briefly contemplated photoshopping a “better” version but resisted.)
❌ Then came the payment step. And that’s where the real nightmare began.
The system just… stalled. We waited two minutes, then five, then ten, and still no confirmation.
There was no cancel button. The only option? Go back. And where did that take us? Right to the start. Back to scanning passports, fighting reflections, and cursing the barcode process all over again.
→ After several attempts (and nearly throwing the phone across the room), we gave up for the day.
Day Two: Redemption (Sort Of)
With a fresh dose of patience, we tried again the next day.
→ First attempt: ❌ The payment failed again, and the system froze, sending us back to square one. I started wondering if this was some elaborate psychological experiment.
→ Second attempt: Payment miraculously went through! Before I even had time to celebrate, the confirmation email arrived.
🌟🎈We were officially ETA-approved🎈🌟
→ First attempt: ❌ The payment failed again, and the system froze, sending us back to square one. I started wondering if this was some elaborate psychological experiment.
→ Second attempt: Payment miraculously went through! Before I even had time to celebrate, the confirmation email arrived.
🌟🎈We were officially ETA-approved🎈🌟
Common Issues and Complaints from Other Travellers
Of course, we weren’t the only ones facing struggles. A little digging online revealed these common complaints:
🚩Technical Glitches and Application Errors
Many travellers report system crashes, difficulties uploading documents, and issues with payment processing, which can lead to delays in obtaining approval.
🚩Longer Processing Times
Although the official guidance states that applications should be processed within three days, some travellers have experienced extended delays, disrupting their plans.
🚩Lack of Clear Communication
Some applicants have complained about receiving vague or unclear rejection reasons, making it difficult to understand why their application was denied or how to correct errors.
🚩Strict Rules and Rejections
Errors in application details, such as mismatched passport information or minor discrepancies, have led to rejections, requiring applicants to start the process over.
🚩Confusion Over Implementation
Many travellers remain unaware that they now need an ETA before arriving in the UK. Some have been turned away at boarding gates or upon arrival due to a lack of proper authorization.
🚩Technical Glitches and Application Errors
Many travellers report system crashes, difficulties uploading documents, and issues with payment processing, which can lead to delays in obtaining approval.
🚩Longer Processing Times
Although the official guidance states that applications should be processed within three days, some travellers have experienced extended delays, disrupting their plans.
🚩Lack of Clear Communication
Some applicants have complained about receiving vague or unclear rejection reasons, making it difficult to understand why their application was denied or how to correct errors.
🚩Strict Rules and Rejections
Errors in application details, such as mismatched passport information or minor discrepancies, have led to rejections, requiring applicants to start the process over.
🚩Confusion Over Implementation
Many travellers remain unaware that they now need an ETA before arriving in the UK. Some have been turned away at boarding gates or upon arrival due to a lack of proper authorization.
Tips for a Smooth ETA Application
👉 Apply Early - Submit your ETA application at least a week before travel to allow time for any unexpected delays;
👉 Double-Check Information – Ensure all personal details match your passport to avoid rejection;
👉 Use the Official Platform - Only apply via the UK government website or app to avoid scams or incorrect processing;
👉 Check Eligibility – Verify if your nationality requires an ETA and stay updated on future expansions of the scheme.
The UK ETA system represents a significant shift in travel requirements for visa-exempt visitors. While it may present some initial challenges, the ETA is a step towards a more secure and efficient travel experience to the UK. As the system matures, it is expected to bring significant benefits.
When planning their trip to the UK, travellers should stay informed, apply well in advance, and be prepared for possible setbacks.
Have you experienced any issues with the UK ETA application process? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
👉 Double-Check Information – Ensure all personal details match your passport to avoid rejection;
👉 Use the Official Platform - Only apply via the UK government website or app to avoid scams or incorrect processing;
👉 Check Eligibility – Verify if your nationality requires an ETA and stay updated on future expansions of the scheme.
The UK ETA system represents a significant shift in travel requirements for visa-exempt visitors. While it may present some initial challenges, the ETA is a step towards a more secure and efficient travel experience to the UK. As the system matures, it is expected to bring significant benefits.
When planning their trip to the UK, travellers should stay informed, apply well in advance, and be prepared for possible setbacks.
Have you experienced any issues with the UK ETA application process? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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