The Essentials — What You Need 📋
Here's everything you need to have handy before you start. Spoiler: it's not much. You probably have most of this already.
📋 TL;DR
Passport + photo + email + 5 minutes of your time. That's it. Seriously. If you can book a flight online, you can do this.
Your ETA Checklist ✅
Valid Passport
EssentialMust be valid for at least 6 months from your planned travel date. Make sure it's not damaged, water-stained, or about to expire. The border folks are picky about this one.
Digital Photo
EssentialA recent photo with a white background. No filters, no sunglasses, no hats, no scarves covering your face. Phone photos work great — just keep it clean and well-lit.
Email Address
EssentialYou'll receive your ETA confirmation here, so make sure it's one you actually check! Bonus points if it's not that old Hotmail account from 2004.
Travel Plans
EssentialKnow your approximate arrival date and purpose of visit (tourism, business, transit, or visiting friends/family). Don't worry — you don't need a detailed itinerary.
Payment Method
EssentialA valid credit or debit card to cover the service fee. All major cards accepted. Everything is processed securely — we never store your card details.
UK Accommodation Details
OptionalIf you have your hotel or Airbnb address in the UK, great — include it. If you haven't booked yet, that's totally fine. It's optional.
Photo Do's and Don'ts 📸
✅ Do This
- • Use a plain white or light background
- • Face the camera directly
- • Keep your expression neutral
- • Make sure the lighting is even — no harsh shadows
- • Use a recent photo (within the last 6 months)
- • Make sure the image is clear and not blurry
❌ Don't Do This
- • No sunglasses or tinted lenses
- • No hats or head coverings (unless religious)
- • No filters, edits, or beauty mode
- • No selfies with your arm visible
- • No group photos cropped down
- • No photos of photos (use a scan or digital file)
Passport Tips From Travellers Who've Been There
Check the expiry date RIGHT NOW. You need at least 6 months from your travel date. We've seen people show up at the airport only to be turned away.
Make sure your passport isn't damaged — torn pages, water damage, or a faded photo can cause issues.
If your name has changed since your passport was issued (marriage, etc.), make sure all your details match.
Photograph your passport's bio page (the one with your photo) before you start the form. Having it ready saves time.
Keep a digital backup of your passport on your phone — it's useful for the form AND handy while travelling.
What You Don't Need 🎉
Good news — the ETA process is simpler than you think. You do NOT need:
Scan or photograph your passport's bio page before you start the form. Having it ready makes the whole process a breeze — we're talking 5 minutes flat.
Here's what they don't tell you — your passport photo for the ETA doesn't need to be a professional studio shot. A well-lit selfie against a white wall works perfectly! Just keep your arms out of the frame. 📱