Can I get UK ETA urgently?

There is no official expedited service. Most ETAs are approved within hours, but always apply at least 3 days before travel.

Why is my UK ETA delayed?

Some applications require additional review due to travel history, name matches, or document verification. Wait up to 3 working days before contacting support.

How Long Does UK ETA Take?

Q: How long does UK ETA take?

UK ETA processing takes up to 3 working days. Most applications are approved within 24 hours.

Up to 3 Days

Official processing time

The UK government states that ETA applications take up to 3 working days to process. However, in practice, most applications are approved much faster—often within a few hours or by the next day.

Typical Processing Timeline

Minutes Application submitted, payment processed, confirmation email received

1-24 hours Most straightforward applications approved

1-3 days Applications requiring additional review

3+ days Complex cases—check spam folder for emails

💡 Pro Tip: Always apply at least 3 days before your planned travel date. Don't leave it until the last minute!

Why Some Applications Take Longer

Several factors can delay your ETA approval:

• Name matches with security databases
• Previous UK visa refusals or immigration issues
• Incomplete or inconsistent application information
• High application volumes during peak travel seasons
• Manual document verification requirements

Can I Get Urgent UK ETA?

There is no official expedited or rush service for UK ETA. All applications go through the same process. However, most are approved within hours.

What If My ETA Is Delayed?

If you haven't received a decision after 3 working days:

1. Check your spam/junk email folder
2. Log into your application to check status
3. Contact UKVI support if still no response

Can I Travel While ETA Is Pending?

No. You must have an approved ETA before boarding your flight. Airlines will check your status and won't allow you to board without valid authorisation.