Reviews of UK ETA

By: Home Office App

List of user reviews and ratings for UK ETA

Total ratings

3.20 (Rating count: 1,540)

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Review summary

Users largely praise the app's guided, official process and quick approvals when successful, but recurrent issues with photo/scan reliability, app stability, and payment flows create frustration and delays for many users. The app works well for some, especially with good lighting and proper preparation, but reliability gaps remain a major complaint.

Pros

Clear, guided, step-by-step process with helpful instructions and visuals.
Official UK government app, providing a legitimate channel for ETA submission.
Fast approvals when photos and scans are accepted, often in minutes.

Cons

Frequent photo capture/scan failures (passport photo, face photo, passport chip) leading to denial or wasted time.
Reliability issues and occasional app stalls or errors (postcode/zip entry, freezes) that hamper submission.
Payment problems and card compatibility (Visa declines, some cards failing, unclear or unavailable card entry).

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User Reviews

Recent rating average: 2.20

All time rating average: 3.20

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53% (71)

Date	Author	Comment
2026-08-24	Wh*****	This app needs work. I’ve tried about 13 times, and it constantly fails.
This app needs work. I’ve tried about 13 times, and it constantly fails.
2026-08-23	re*****	This app really helped me to appreciate Silicon Valley and app development in the US. I had no idea something could be so awful.
This app really helped me to appreciate Silicon Valley and app development in the US. I had no idea something could be so awful.
2026-08-19	ri*****	Absolutely awful
Absolutely awful
2026-08-18	ro*****	Chip scanning doesn’t work
Chip scanning doesn’t work
2026-08-18	Pa*****	Even if you remove your phone cover, the app starts to rotate its disc immediately after you click and reply yes that your passport has a chip even before you begin the scanning process
Even if you remove your phone cover, the app starts to rotate its disc immediately after you click and reply yes that your passport has a chip even before you begin the scanning process
2026-08-18	ke*****	Keeps getting frozen on the biometric chip screen
Keeps getting frozen on the biometric chip screen
2026-08-17	Lo*****	Crazy how efficient and well designed this app is.
Crazy how efficient and well designed this app is.
2026-08-17	Ex*****	Alright, I tried again. Instead of repeatedly taking photos of our passports (waiting for the app to tell me if the photo met its requirements), I decided to “use this photo” since it looked as clear as possible. Turns out that was the right call because my ETA was approved by the time I finished my husband’s! So, I’ve amended my review. If you’re getting frustrated with taking a photo of your passport because it keeps telling you that it doesn’t meet the requirements, just make sure the text is clear, four edges are visible, and minimize the glare and reflection as much as possible. It lists these things when it asks if you’re sure you want to submit. And then just submit. If you’re completing more than one ETA (eg, for someone else), know that you will have to complete one at a time. There’s no “add a person” feature so expect to check out and pay for each application before moving on to the next one. Previous review: I’ve spent 45 minutes just trying to take ONE satisfactory photo of my passport. Extremely annoying that you can’t upload a scanned copy or a photo and then get it approved. It’s also very annoying that there is no “back button” in case you select something by accident. There is no choice but to exit the app and start over again!
Alright, I tried again. Instead of repeatedly taking photos of our passports (waiting for the app to tell me if the photo met its requirements), I decided to “use this photo” since it looked as clear as possible. Turns out that was the right call because my ETA was approved by the time I finished my husband’s! So, I’ve amended my review. If you’re getting frustrated with taking a photo of your passport because it keeps telling you that it doesn’t meet the requirements, just make sure the text is clear, four edges are visible, and minimize the glare and reflection as much as possible. It lists these things when it asks if you’re sure you want to submit. And then just submit. If you’re completing more than one ETA (eg, for someone else), know that you will have to complete one at a time. There’s no “add a person” feature so expect to check out and pay for each application before moving on to the next one. Previous review: I’ve spent 45 minutes just trying to take ONE satisfactory photo of my passport. Extremely annoying that you can’t upload a scanned copy or a photo and then get it approved. It’s also very annoying that there is no “back button” in case you select something by accident. There is no choice but to exit the app and start over again!
2026-08-13	Nu*****	I have tried multiple times to use the app and choose England as the country I’m going to but there isn’t an option for it. How is that possible.
I have tried multiple times to use the app and choose England as the country I’m going to but there isn’t an option for it. How is that possible.
2026-08-12	Wh*****	I was hesitant to use this app, given the mediocre ratings. One can apply online with a browser. However, that option redirects you to this app as the preferred method. So, I tried it. It was exceptionally efficient. It only took me a few minutes to complete the process. It was very easy. And, I was approved within two minutes!
I was hesitant to use this app, given the mediocre ratings. One can apply online with a browser. However, that option redirects you to this app as the preferred method. So, I tried it. It was exceptionally efficient. It only took me a few minutes to complete the process. It was very easy. And, I was approved within two minutes!