UK ETA Photo Requirements: Now Mandatory for 84 Countries (2026)

The United Kingdom's Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is now a mandatory requirement for travelers from 84 visa-exempt countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, and all EU/EEA nations. Here's everything you need to know about the photo requirements, application process, and how to get approved.

Enforcement Notice: The UK ETA grace period ended February 25, 2026. Airlines and border agents now strictly enforce the requirement. You will be denied boarding without a valid ETA.

What is the UK ETA?

The UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is a digital permission that allows citizens of visa-exempt countries to travel to the United Kingdom. It works similarly to the US ESTA or the upcoming European ETIAS — a pre-travel screening system that links to your passport electronically.

The ETA is not a visa. It does not grant the right to work or study in the UK. Instead, it authorizes short-term visits for tourism, business meetings, transit, and other permitted activities for stays of up to 6 months.

Unlike a physical visa stamp, the ETA exists only digitally. Once approved, it is linked to your passport number. Airlines and border officials verify it electronically at check-in and upon arrival.

Who Needs a UK ETA?

Citizens of 84 countries that previously enjoyed visa-free entry to the UK now need an ETA. This includes all major visa-exempt nationalities.

Region	Countries
North America	🇺🇸 United States, 🇨🇦 Canada
Europe (EU/EEA)	🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇦🇹 Austria, 🇸🇪 Sweden, 🇩🇰 Denmark, 🇳🇴 Norway, 🇫🇮 Finland, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇬🇷 Greece, and all other EU/EEA members
Asia-Pacific	🇯🇵 Japan, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇳🇿 New Zealand, 🇭🇰 Hong Kong
Latin America	🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇦🇷 Argentina, 🇨🇱 Chile, 🇨🇷 Costa Rica, 🇺🇾 Uruguay
Middle East	🇦🇪 UAE, 🇲🇴 Qatar, 🇰🇼 Kuwait, 🇧🇭 Bahrain, 🇴🇲 Oman, 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
Other	🇮🇱 Israel, 🇿🇦 South Africa (select categories), and others

If your country is not listed, you likely need a full UK visa. Check the UK government visa checker for your specific nationality.

Cost & Validity

Cost	£16 (approximately $20 USD / €19)
Validity	2 years from date of issue
Entries	Multiple entries allowed
Maximum Stay	Up to 6 months per visit
Linked To	Your passport number (digital, no physical document)
Payment Methods	Debit card, credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay

If you renew your passport before your ETA expires, you will need to apply for a new ETA linked to your new passport number.

Photo & Document Requirements

The UK ETA application requires the following documents and information:

Required Documents

Valid passport (must be valid for the duration of your stay)

Digital facial photograph (taken via the app or uploaded)

Email address (for confirmation and correspondence)

UK address for your stay (hotel, rental, or host address)

Payment card (£16 fee)

Photo Requirements

Your facial photo must meet the following criteria:

Clear frontal face shot — your full face must be visible

Neutral expression with mouth closed

No glasses (prescription or sunglasses)

No head coverings (except for religious reasons, and the full face must remain visible)

Plain light-colored background with no shadows

Both eyes open and clearly visible

Taken recently — must reflect your current appearance

No filters, beauty mode, or digital alterations

UK Passport Photo Size

If you need a printed UK passport-style photo for any related documentation, the standard UK photo size is:

Dimensions (mm)	35 x 45 mm
Dimensions (cm)	3.5x4.5 cm
Dimensions (inches)	1.4x1.8 inches
Background	Plain white or light grey
Head Height	29-34 mm (chin to crown)
Standard	ICAO 9303 compliant

For detailed UK passport photo specifications, see our complete United Kingdom Passport Photo Requirements guide.

UK ETA vs US ESTA vs ETIAS

How does the UK ETA compare to other electronic travel authorization systems? Here's a side-by-side comparison:

Feature	UK ETA	US ESTA	EU ETIAS
Cost	£16 (~$20)	$21	€7
Validity	2 years	2 years	3 years
Max Stay	6 months	90 days	90 days in 180
Countries Covered	UK (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)	United States	27 Schengen countries
Photo Required	Yes (facial photo)	No	Yes (expected)
Passport Scan	Yes (via app or upload)	Manual entry	Yes (expected)
Status	Active (2025)	Active	Expected 2026
Processing Time	Minutes to 3 days	Usually 72 hours	TBD

The UK ETA is unique among these systems in requiring a facial photo as part of the application. This makes photo compliance especially important.

How to Apply for a UK ETA

You can apply for a UK ETA through the official UK ETA app (iOS and Android) or via the GOV.UK website. The process takes about 10 minutes.

Scan Your Passport

Use the UK ETA app to scan the biometric chip in your passport, or upload a photo of your passport data page on the website. The system will extract your personal details automatically.

Take Your Photo & Complete the Form

Take a clear facial photo following the requirements above. Fill in your travel details including your UK address, email, and the purpose of your visit. Answer the security and background questions.

Pay & Submit

Pay the £16 fee using a debit card, credit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. Submit your application and wait for confirmation via email. Most applications are approved within minutes, but allow up to 3 working days.

Get Your UK ETA Photo Right

The UK ETA requires a compliant facial photo — and a poor photo can delay your application or cause rejection. Last Min ID Photo generates a properly formatted 35x45mm (3.5x4.5 cm, 1.4x1.8 inches) UK passport photo from any selfie in under 60 seconds for just $9.99. Upload a photo and get a compliant result instantly.

Create Your UK Photo Now

Compliant 35x45mm photo with correct positioning and background

Upload Your Photo

Don't worry about lighting or background — we'll transform it.

Drop your photo(s) here

or click to browse — up to 8 photos for best results

1 photo works3-5 is idealMax 8

Select Photo Size

Choose Your Outfit

Pick Background Color

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Americans need a UK ETA?

Yes. As of January 8, 2025, US citizens must obtain a UK ETA before traveling to the United Kingdom. The grace period ended on February 25, 2026, and enforcement is now strict. You cannot board a flight or enter the UK without a valid ETA. The cost is £16 (approximately $20 USD) and the ETA is valid for 2 years with multiple entries allowed.

When did the UK ETA become mandatory?

The UK ETA rolled out in phases. Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals were the first group required to have an ETA starting November 2023. It expanded to all other non-European visa-exempt nationals, including Americans and Canadians, on January 8, 2025. European nationals became subject to the requirement on April 2, 2025. The initial grace period for enforcement ended February 25, 2026 — it is now strictly enforced for all 84 eligible countries.

What photo do I need for UK ETA?

The UK ETA application requires a clear digital facial photo taken against a plain light-colored background. Your face must be fully visible with a neutral expression, no glasses, and no head coverings (unless worn for religious reasons). The photo should show your full face from the front, with both eyes open and mouth closed. If you need a printed UK passport photo, the size is 35x45mm (3.5x4.5 cm, approximately 1.4x1.8 inches).

How long does UK ETA take to process?

Most UK ETA applications are processed within minutes to a few hours. However, the UK Home Office advises applying at least 3 working days before travel. In some cases, processing can take up to 3 working days if additional checks are needed. You will receive a confirmation via email once your ETA is approved. The ETA is linked digitally to your passport — there is no physical document to carry.

Can I transit through the UK without an ETA?

It depends. If you are transiting airside (staying within the airport without passing through UK border control), you may not need an ETA in certain cases. However, if your transit requires you to pass through immigration, collect baggage and re-check it, or change airports, you will need a valid UK ETA. The safest approach is to apply for an ETA if your journey involves any stop in the UK.

What is the difference between a UK ETA and a UK visa?

A UK ETA is an Electronic Travel Authorization for short visits (up to 6 months) by citizens of visa-exempt countries. It costs £16 and is valid for 2 years. A UK visa is required for citizens of countries that are not visa-exempt, or for anyone planning to work, study, or stay longer than 6 months. Visas involve a more detailed application, supporting documents, and higher fees. If your country requires a visa to enter the UK, you cannot use an ETA instead.