UK ETA Refusals: Reasons & Next Steps

Quick Recap: What is an ETA?

An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is required for visitors from certain countries who do not need a visa to come to the UK. It allows entry of ‘non-visa’ nationals for up to 6 months in any 12-month period for purposes such as tourism, visiting family, business, or short-term study. It was first introduced in November 2023 and extended in 2025 to encompass more nationalities.

If granted, an ETA is usually valid for 2 years or until the passport expires (whichever comes first), allowing for a maximum of 6 months’ travel in each of those years. It permits multiple short stays but does not give the right to live, work, or settle in the UK.

👉 Full list of nationalities that require an ETA can be found here.

Updates to Be Aware Of

• Dual nationals: UKVI recommend that if you hold one of the listed nationalities and you are also a British citizen, you should travel using your British passport to avoid delays at the border.

➡️ As noted in our earlier blog, British and Irish citizens and those holding a valid UK visa do not require an ETA.

• E-visas replacing vignettes: From Summer 2025, vignette stickers will no longer be issued. Travellers with valid UK visas will instead need to set up their e-visa before travelling.

Why Might an ETA Be Refused?

Although the ETA application is a straightforward online process, refusals can and do happen. The most common reasons include:

• Previous immigration history – such as overstaying, illegal entry, deportation, or the use of deception/fraudulent documents in the past.

• Criminal record in the UK or elsewhere –

  • Custodial sentences of 12 months or more, or

  • Non-custodial convictions within the 12 months before applying.

• Public good considerations – where UKVI considers that granting entry would not be conducive to the public good.

• Past refusals – where a visitor visa or entry as a visitor has been refused previously, unless entry has since been granted.

It is important to complete the ETA application honestly and accurately, declaring all relevant circumstances. 

What Happens If My ETA Is Refused?

If your ETA is refused, there is no right of appeal. Instead, the next step is to apply for a standard visit visa from your country of residence. This must be issued before travelling as UKVI will not permit entry without a valid ETA or visa.

A visit visa application requires:

• An online application form,

• Supporting documents (personal, financial, and details of your trip)

• Attendance at a biometric appointment, and

• Payment of the relevant fee.

Visit visa applications must be submitted online and cannot be made through the ETA app.

You may also wish to submit an explanatory letter and evidence addressing the reason for your ETA refusal. The final decision to grant a visit visa after the refusal of an ETA will remain with UKVI and there is no guarantee that the visit visa application will be granted. If the visit visa is granted, an ETA does not need to be applied for until the end date of your visa.