UK ETA Face Photo
A UK Electronic Travel Authorisation needs photos of the face in both application routes — a face scan in the app, or an uploaded face photo online. This guide covers the rules, the phone requirements, and what happens if the photo fails. Based on GOV.UK ETA pages.
Why an ETA needs a face photo
A UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is applied for online or through the UK ETA app, and in both routes you must supply photos of the face of the person applying. The government is clear that the photo rules matter to the outcome: If the photo of the face of the person applying does not meet the rules, the application may be delayed or rejected.
The two routes
| Route | What you do |
|---|---|
| UK ETA app | Use your phone’s camera to scan your passport and your face. Requires a compatible phone (iPhone 7 or newer with iOS 16+, or Android 12+ with NFC). |
| Online | Upload a photo of the passport and a photo of the face. Use this if you cannot download the app. |
The face photo, whichever route you use, must follow the rules for digital photos of faces (the same rules used for visas).
The face photo rules, in brief
- Quality: clear and in focus, in colour, taken in a well-lit room, and not altered by software or a filter.
- Format: at least 600 x 750 pixels, 50KB–6MB, a jpg or jpeg, vertically orientated, not mirrored or flipped.
- Content: no other people or objects; a plain light-coloured background with clear contrast; no red eye; head, shoulders and upper body; face and eyes clearly visible, looking at the camera, plain expression, mouth closed.
- Not allowed: a scan or photo of another photo, your identity document instead of you, or the same photo as in your passport.
Because a face is scanned or photographed live, the app route sidesteps some of these pitfalls — but the online route puts every rule on you. Have someone else take the photo, as the guidance advises, and read our UK visa face photo guide for the full detail. Verify the finished file with the passport photo checker and check dimensions on the photo size chart.
Applying for someone else, and children
On the app you can apply for someone else only if they are with you (you take a photo of them and scan their face); if they are not with you, apply online, where you need a photo of their passport and a photo of their face. Every traveller needs their own ETA, including children — and the child photo rules apply: children under 6 need not look at the camera or hold a plain expression, and children under one need not have their eyes open.
Cost, timing and validity
- Cost: £20 to apply online or through the app, with no refund after you apply.
- Decision: usually by email within a day, but up to 3 working days.
- Validity: an ETA lasts 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever is sooner.
- Linked to your passport: show that passport when you travel.
If the application is rejected or you need to change details, you must apply again — which is why getting the face photo right first time matters.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a UK ETA and how long does it take?
£20 to apply online or through the app, with no refunds; a decision usually arrives by email within a day, but can take up to 3 working days.
Do babies and children need a face photo too?
Yes — every traveller, including children, needs their own ETA and face photo, and the child photo rules apply.
What if my phone has no NFC?
The app needs NFC to scan an Android passport; if you cannot download or use the app, apply online with a passport photo and a face photo.
Can I reuse the photo in my passport?
No. The face photo must not be the same photo as the one in your passport or identity card.
What happens if the photo does not meet the rules?
The application may be delayed or rejected, and you would need to apply again.
How long is an ETA valid?
Two years, or until your passport expires, whichever is sooner.
Sources: GOV.UK “Get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to visit the UK” (gov.uk/eta/apply) and “Using the ‘UK ETA’ app” (gov.uk/guidance/using-the-uk-eta-app); face photo rules per gov.uk/guidance/how-to-take-a-photo-for-a-visa-application-or-permission (published 12 February 2026). Retrieved 2026-09-28.