UK ETA Photo Requirements 2026: Face Photo, Passport Scan, and App Rules
United Kingdom
In short. Since February 25, 2026, non-visa nationals must apply for a £10 UK ETA using specific passport scans and face photos via the official app.
- Mandatory ETA enforcement began on February 25, 2026, for non-visa nationals.
- The application costs £10 and is valid for two years or until the passport expires.
- Applicants must scan their physical passport; photocopies or digital screens are rejected.
- Face photos uploaded online must be at least 600x750 pixels and between 50KB and 10MB.
- The official 'UK ETA' app requires a smartphone with a camera and NFC capabilities.
Since February 25, 2026, the United Kingdom has strictly enforced the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for non-visa nationals, requiring applicants to submit a precise passport scan and face photo via the official "UK ETA" app.
What Changed
The UK has fully rolled out its ETA system, which costs £10 and grants multiple entries for stays of up to six months over a two-year period. As part of the digital application, travelers must provide biometric data through their smartphones. The system relies heavily on automated checks, meaning strict adherence to photo and scanning rules is mandatory to avoid delays or rejections.
| Requirement | Passport Data Page | Face Photo |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Physical passport only (no photocopies or digital screens) | Taken live in the app or uploaded (recent within 3 months) |
| Format (if online) | JPG or JPEG | JPG or JPEG |
| File Size (if online) | 50KB to 10MB | 50KB to 10MB |
| Dimensions | Must show all 4 corners and the MRZ (bottom text lines) | Minimum 600 x 750 pixels |
| Visual Rules | In focus, no glare, no reflections | Plain light background, no filters, neutral expression |
Who It Affects
The ETA requirement applies to visitors from non-visa countries traveling to the UK for tourism, business, short-term study, or transit. This includes EU citizens and dual nationals who hold an eligible passport. Note for Ukrainians: Ukrainian citizens traveling on a standard Ukrainian passport still require a traditional UK visa. However, Ukrainians holding dual citizenship with an ETA-eligible country (such as an EU member state) must apply for an ETA using that passport.
What to Do Now
The fastest way to apply is using the official "UK ETA" app, available on iOS (iPhone 7 or newer) and Android (Android 12 or later with NFC capability). Follow these steps:
- Download the app: Install the "UK ETA" app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
- Take a photo of your passport: Use your phone's camera to capture the entire photo page of your physical passport. Ensure there is no glare and all text is readable.
- Scan the biometric chip: Place your phone on top of your closed passport to read the NFC chip. You may need to move the phone slightly until it beeps.
- Scan your face: Follow the on-screen prompts to let the app scan your face for biometric verification.
- Take a face photo: Capture a final photo of yourself against a plain, light-colored background.
- Pay the fee: Complete the application by paying the £10 fee via credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. Decisions are usually sent via email within 1 to 3 working days.
Common Mistakes
- Using a photocopy: The app requires a photo of the original, physical passport. Photocopies or pictures of digital passports will be rejected.
- Glare on the passport page: Reflections from overhead lights or camera flashes can obscure the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ), causing the automated scan to fail.
- Incorrect file sizes online: If applying via the website instead of the app, uploading photos smaller than 50KB or larger than 10MB, or not in JPG/JPEG format, will result in an error.
- Wearing accessories: Face photos must not include sunglasses, hats, or hair covering the eyes (head coverings for religious or medical reasons are permitted).
Rules change frequently — always verify current requirements on the official government source provided above before taking action.
Official sources
Questions
- Can I use a photocopy of my passport for the UK ETA?
- No. You must take a photo of your original, physical passport. Photocopies or digital passports will be rejected by the system.
- What are the photo dimensions for the UK ETA?
- If applying online, your face photo must be at least 600 pixels wide by 750 pixels tall, in JPG or JPEG format, and between 50KB and 10MB in size.
- Do Ukrainians need a UK ETA?
- Ukrainian citizens traveling on a standard Ukrainian passport still need a regular UK visa. However, Ukrainians holding dual citizenship with an ETA-eligible country must apply for an ETA using that eligible passport.
- How long does it take to get a UK ETA decision?
- Decisions are usually sent by email within one day, but you should allow up to 3 working days for processing.