How long does a UK ETA take? Plan around the decision

The government says most ETA decisions are made within a day, but some can take up to three working days. A quick decision is common, but it is not a guaranteed service level. Apply as soon as your travel passport is settled rather than waiting for the final days before departure.

Three working days is not always three calendar days. A weekend or public holiday can make the wait feel longer, and an application may need extra review. Do not book a connection, leave for the airport or assume you can board while an application is still pending.

1. Confirm which passport each traveller will use, especially if a renewal is in progress.
2. Check whether each traveller needs an ETA before applying.
3. Apply as soon as the required details and photo are ready, ideally well ahead of the travel date.
4. Leave extra days for a correction, a separate family decision or a longer-than-usual review.
5. Do not travel until the confirmation has arrived for each person who needs an ETA.

• Check the inbox, spam and junk folders for the email address used on the application.
• If several people applied, track each person separately; one approval does not cover the others.
• Make sure the passport you intend to carry is the same one used in the application.
• Keep the application confirmation and any reference details available in case you need to follow up.
• If three working days have passed without a decision, use the current official contact route rather than submitting duplicates.

A duplicate application is not a dependable way to move an existing application forward. First check for a missed email and follow the official instructions for a pending decision.

No. The government says applying through another website or app does not get a faster decision. A private service cannot jump the queue, control the Home Office or promise approval. Be cautious about any offer described as a guaranteed fast-track ETA.

What a service such as ETAs.one can do is handle its own part of the work: review the supplied details and photos, prepare the application and submit it after the customer authorises it. Our Standard, Priority and Express options set targets for that review and submission once complete answers and suitable photos are received. The government’s decision time begins after submission and remains outside our control.

Do not treat a pending ETA as permission to travel. Check the application email and official status or contact instructions. The airline may refuse boarding if required permission has not been granted. If the trip is no longer workable, contact your airline or travel provider about available changes; they make their own decisions under your booking terms.

If you need help with a paid ETAs.one booking, contact our support team about the status of our review or submission. We can explain what stage our work has reached, but cannot resolve or accelerate a government decision.