{"id":2313,"date":"2026-06-14T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-06-14T09:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/etavisauk.org\/?p=2313"},"modified":"2026-10-26T08:12:31","modified_gmt":"2026-10-26T08:12:31","slug":"uk-eta-application-status-check-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/etavisauk.org\/en\/uk-eta-application-status-check-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"UK ETA Application Status Check 2026 \u2014 How to Track Your Decision"},"content":{"rendered":"

There is no live tracker for a pending UK ETA application in 2026: the Home Office emails you the decision, and most applicants get one within one working day, though it can take up to three working days.<\/strong> Once you have a decision, GOV.UK’s ‘Check your ETA’ service shows whether you hold a valid ETA and when it expires.<\/p>\n

Specifically, this guide explains how your decision arrives, the possible outcomes, typical wait times, and what to do if you have not heard back after three working days.<\/p>\n

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How to check UK ETA application status in 2026<\/h2>\n

Your decision arrives by email with your 16-digit ETA reference number, and GOV.UK’s ‘Check your ETA’ service confirms whether you have an ETA and when it expires.<\/strong> The UK ETA app does not keep your data after you submit your application, and UKVI can’t help with ETA enquiries over the phone.<\/p>\n

Related reading: Windsor Castle Day Trip 2026<\/a>.<\/p>\n

UK ETA decision outcomes \u2014 what each one means<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Outcome<\/th>\nWhat it means<\/th>\nWhat to do next<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
ETA granted<\/td>\nYour ETA is linked digitally to the passport you applied with; the email contains your 16-digit ETA reference number<\/td>\nTravel on that same passport<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Application rejected<\/td>\nRejected for formal reasons, such as an unsuitable photo or incorrect details; you are told why<\/td>\nCorrect the problem and apply again<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
ETA refused<\/td>\nRefused on suitability grounds, such as a criminal record or a previous refusal; you cannot appeal<\/td>\nApply for a Standard Visitor visa<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

GOV.UK does not publish named application statuses: you receive your decision by email, usually within one working day and at most within three working days.<\/p>\n

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How long does UK ETA application take?<\/h2>\n

Most applicants get a decision within one working day, but it can take up to three working days; filling in the application takes about 10 minutes.<\/strong> A caseworker only reviews an application if your identity cannot be verified automatically, adverse information is found or you declare a criminal record. Therefore, plan to apply at least 7 working days before travel.<\/p>\n

Related reading: London to Edinburgh Train Guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n

No UK ETA decision after three working days \u2014 what to do<\/h2>\n

If you have had no decision after three working days, use the UKVI webchat, which you can reach from GOV.UK’s ‘Contact UK Visas and Immigration’<\/a> page (choose ‘Outside the UK’, then ‘Electronic travel authorisation’).<\/strong> Have your 16-digit ETA reference number from your confirmation email ready. UKVI can’t help with ETA enquiries over the phone, and you cannot get a faster decision by applying through another website or app.<\/p>\n

E-mail notifications \u2014 what the Home Office sends<\/h2>\n

Your ETA decision will arrive by email from UK Visas and Immigration and will contain your 16-digit ETA reference number.<\/strong> If you cannot find it, check your spam folder or use the ‘Check your ETA’ service on GOV.UK.<\/p>\n

Related reading: UK ETA 2026 Rules and Cost<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Status check via gov.uk \u2014 step-by-step<\/h2>\n

1) Go to the ‘Check your ETA’ service on GOV.UK. 2) Enter the details of the passport you applied with: your nationality, passport number and date of birth. 3) See whether you have an ETA and when it expires.<\/strong> You do not need a reference number, but the service cannot show the status of an application that is still pending. Specifically, the gov.uk page works on any browser and does not require app installation.<\/p>\n

Can you check UK ETA status in the app?<\/h2>\n

The UK ETA app is for applying, not tracking: it does not keep any of your data after you submit your application.<\/strong> Your decision arrives by email, and your ETA is linked digitally to your passport, so use GOV.UK’s ‘Check your ETA’ service if you want to confirm it.<\/p>\n

Related reading: Airbnb vs Hotel London 2026<\/a>.<\/p>\n

What if my UK ETA is refused?<\/h2>\n

Your decision arrives by email. If your application is rejected for formal reasons, such as an unsuitable photo or incorrect details, you are told why and can apply again. If your ETA is refused, you cannot appeal and need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa instead.<\/strong> The Home Office does not publish how often a visa is granted after an ETA refusal.<\/p>\n

UK ETA status check from another country<\/h2>\n

You can check whether you have an ETA and when it expires using the ‘Check your ETA’ service on GOV.UK, from anywhere with an internet connection.<\/strong> For help, use the UKVI webchat, as UKVI can’t help with ETA enquiries over the phone. Travellers in transit can therefore verify their result mid-journey if they need to.<\/p>\n

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Related reading: UK ETA Requirements 2026<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n

Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n

How do I check my UK ETA application status?<\/h3>\n

Your decision arrives by email; there is no live tracker for a pending application. Once you have a decision, GOV.UK’s ‘Check your ETA’ service shows whether you have an ETA and when it expires.<\/p>\n

How long does UK ETA take to decide?<\/h3>\n

Most applicants get a decision within one working day, but it can take up to three working days.<\/p>\n

What if my UK ETA is stuck in ‘Under review’?<\/h3>\n

If you have had no decision after three working days, use the UKVI webchat via GOV.UK’s ‘Contact UK Visas and Immigration’ page and have your 16-digit ETA reference number ready. UKVI can’t help with ETA enquiries over the phone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Will I get an e-mail when UK ETA is approved?<\/h3>\n

Yes \u2014 your decision arrives by email from UK Visas and Immigration and contains your 16-digit ETA reference number. If you cannot find it, check your spam folder.<\/p>\n

Can I check UK ETA status without the app?<\/h3>\n

Yes \u2014 GOV.UK’s ‘Check your ETA’ service works in any browser. You need the passport you applied with (your nationality, passport number and date of birth), not a reference number.<\/p>\n

What does ‘Under review’ mean for UK ETA?<\/h3>\n

GOV.UK does not use an ‘Under review’ status. Applications are processed automatically as far as possible, and a caseworker only reviews one if your identity cannot be verified automatically, adverse information is found or you declare a criminal record. A decision can take up to three working days.<\/p>\n

Can I track UK ETA status from outside the UK?<\/h3>\n

Yes \u2014 GOV.UK’s ‘Check your ETA’ service works from anywhere with an internet connection, including while in transit. UKVI can’t help with ETA enquiries over the phone.<\/p>\n

How do I check if my UK ETA is still valid?<\/h3>\n

Use GOV.UK’s ‘Check your ETA’ service with the passport you applied with. It shows whether you have an ETA and when it expires; your ETA ends when that passport expires.<\/p>\n

Final thoughts<\/h2>\n

To wrap up, ETA status checks in 2026 are simple, fast and rarely needed because your decision arrives by email. Most applicants get a decision within one working day, but it can take up to three working days. Apply about a week ahead of travel and trust the system unless something is genuinely off.<\/p>\n

More UK travel guides<\/h2>\n