Check UK ETA Status Online 2026 — Instant Status Lookup. How to Check Your UK ETA Application Status (2026 Guide)
To check your UK ETA status you need your nationality, passport number, passport expiry date, and date of birth. Use the tool below — it opens the official Home Office checker. Most approved ETAs show as Active within minutes of approval. If your ETA shows as pending after 3 working days, check your spam folder first, then contact our team — we will follow up on your behalf.
Status Check Tool
Check Your UK ETA Status
Have these ready before you click:
- 🌍 Your nationality
- 🔢 Your passport number
- 📅 Your passport expiry date
- 🎂 Your date of birth
🔒 Opens the official UK Home Office travel permission checker in a new tab. Free to use.
How to Check Your UK ETA Status — Step by Step
Once you have submitted a UK ETA application, you can verify its status at any time using the tool at the top of this page. You will need four pieces of information:
- Your nationality
- Your passport number — exactly as it appears on your passport biographical page
- Your passport expiry date
- Your date of birth
Steps
- Click Check My UK ETA Status above — the official Home Office checker opens in a new tab.
- Select your nationality from the list.
- Enter your passport number exactly as it appears — include all letters and digits, no spaces.
- Enter your passport expiry date.
- Enter your date of birth.
- Your ETA status will be displayed on the final screen.
Even after receiving your approval email, we recommend using the tool above to verify your status at least once. This confirms your ETA is correctly linked to your specific passport number — and gives you the reference number to keep on your phone in case of any query at the border.
What Each UK ETA Status Means
| Status | What It Means | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Active | Your ETA has been approved and is linked to your passport. You are authorised to travel to the UK. | Nothing — you are ready to travel. Save the approval email and note your reference number. |
| Pending | Your application has been received and is being processed. A decision has not yet been made. | Wait. Most applications are decided within minutes. Some take up to 3 working days. |
| Refused | Your application was not approved. The refusal reason is contained in the notification email. | Read the refusal reason carefully. Many refusals are technical (photo, name mismatch) and can be reapplied. See our full guide on ETA refusals. |
| Not Found | No ETA record matches the details entered. | Check for typos in your passport number or expiry date. If details are correct, no ETA has been successfully submitted for this passport — you need to apply. |
| Cancelled | A previously active ETA has been cancelled, typically due to a change in circumstances or a new application. | Contact our support team to understand the reason and next steps. Do not travel until resolved. |
Haven’t Received Your ETA Decision Yet?
Most UK ETA applications are decided within minutes of submission. However, some applications require manual review and can take up to 3 working days. Here is what to do at each stage.
After a Few Minutes — No Email Yet
- Check your spam or junk folder — ETA approval emails are frequently filtered.
- Check the email address you used when applying — it must be the exact address you entered in the application.
- Use the status tool above to check directly — you do not need the email to check status.
After 24 Hours — Still Pending
- Your application may have been selected for manual review — this is normal and does not indicate a problem.
- Do not submit a new application — duplicate applications can cause delays and both will be reviewed.
- Check the status tool above — if it shows Pending, your application is being processed.
After 3 Working Days — No Decision
If your application still shows as Pending after 3 full working days (excluding weekends and UK public holidays), do not reapply. If you applied through application-eta.uk, contact our team directly — we will follow up with the Home Office on your behalf and keep you updated.
Travelling Soon and Still No Decision?
If your departure is within 72 hours and your ETA is still pending, contact our team immediately. Airlines check ETA status at check-in — you will not be permitted to board without an Active status.
Applied Through application-eta.uk?
If you applied through our service and have not received a decision, contact our team. We monitor application status and will follow up with the Home Office on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check my UK ETA status?
Use the tool at the top of this page — it opens the official Home Office ETA checker. You will need your nationality, passport number, passport expiry date, and date of birth. Complete the short multi-step form and your status — Active, Pending, Refused, or Not Found — will be displayed at the end. You do not need your approval email.
How do I check UK ETA status without an email?
You do not need your approval email to check your UK ETA status. Use the tool at the top of this page — you will need your nationality, passport number, passport expiry date, and date of birth. The status check works regardless of whether you received a confirmation email.
How long does UK ETA approval take?
Most UK ETA applications are approved within minutes — this covers approximately 95% of applicants. Some applications take up to 24 hours. A small number require manual review and can take up to 3 working days. If you applied through application-eta.uk and have not received a decision after 3 working days, contact our team and we will follow up on your behalf.
My UK ETA status shows “Not Found” — what does this mean?
A “Not Found” result means no approved ETA is linked to the details you entered. First, check for typos in your passport number or expiry date — one wrong character will return “Not Found”. If all details are correct, no ETA has been successfully submitted for this passport and you need to apply before travelling.
Can I verify UK ETA status for someone else?
Yes. You can check the status of any UK ETA using the nationality, passport number, passport expiry date, and date of birth of the applicant. This is useful for parents checking on behalf of children, or travel agents verifying their clients’ ETA status before departure.
Do I need to print my UK ETA or show it at the airport?
No. Your UK ETA is linked electronically to your passport. You do not need to print it or show any document at the airport. Airlines check your ETA automatically when they scan your passport at check-in. However, keeping your approval email and reference number on your phone is recommended in case of any query at the border.
My UK ETA is Active but linked to my old passport. What do I do?
Your UK ETA is linked to a specific passport number. If you have renewed your passport since your ETA was approved, your existing ETA is no longer valid for travel — even if it shows as Active on the old passport number. You must apply for a new UK ETA using your new passport details before travelling.
How do I know when my UK ETA expires?
Your UK ETA is valid for 2 years from the date of approval, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first. The exact expiry date is shown in your approval email. You can also check it using the status tool at the top of this page. If your ETA is approaching expiry, you can apply for a new one at any time through application-eta.uk.
Sources: UK Home Office — UK ETA official guidance (gov.uk/eta) · UK Visas and Immigration — ETA status information · Home Office Immigration System Statistics, February 2026.