UK ETA Rejected? Here's Exactly What To Do Next

Receiving a UK ETA rejection is unexpected and frustrating, especially if you have been visiting the UK for years without any issues. But before you start cancelling hotel bookings and flights, it is important to understand that a rejected ETA is not necessarily the end of your travel plans.

This guide walks you through exactly what to do if your UK ETA has been refused.

First: Take a Deep Breath and Read the Rejection Notice

When the UK Government refuses an ETA application, it sends an email notification to the address you used during the application. This notification will typically say that your ETA has been refused, but it will not always tell you the specific reason.

Read the notification carefully. Note:

Whether a specific reason is given
Whether there is an option to appeal or reapply
Whether you are told that you should apply for a UK Standard Visitor Visa instead

This information will guide your next steps.

Why Are UK ETAs Refused?

The UK Government does not always disclose the exact reason for an ETA refusal, but the most common reasons include:

Criminal Record or Pending Charges

Any significant criminal conviction — particularly involving imprisonment, drug offences, or violence — can result in an ETA refusal. The system conducts background checks against international databases. Even older convictions that you might consider minor or "spent" in your home country can cause issues.

Previous UK Visa Refusal

If you have previously been refused a UK visa, this will be visible to the UK immigration system. A history of refusals does not automatically prevent you from getting an ETA, but it increases the likelihood of additional scrutiny or refusal.

Previous Deportation or Removal

If you have previously been deported or removed from the UK, or removed from another country, this is a significant red flag in any ETA application.

Provision of False or Inaccurate Information

If any detail in your application is incorrect — even accidentally — the UK Government may refuse the ETA. Common issues include mismatched passport numbers, incorrect dates, or errors in personal details.

Immigration Concerns

Sometimes ETAs are refused because the immigration system has concerns about your intentions — for example, if your travel pattern suggests you may be intending to work in the UK rather than visit.

Watchlist or Security Concerns

The UK Government screens applicants against national and international security databases. If you appear on any watchlist, your application will be refused.

Technical Issues with Your Passport

A damaged, near-expired, or recently renewed passport can sometimes cause issues with automated processing.

Step 1: Check Whether the Error Was in Your Application

If your ETA was refused and you applied through Swift ETA, the first thing to do is email us at hello@swifteta.com with your order reference number. We will review the application we submitted and determine whether any data entry errors or submission issues on our part could have caused the refusal.

If the rejection was caused by an Swift ETA error, we will issue you a full refund immediately, as guaranteed by our Money-Back Guarantee.

If you applied directly through the UK Government's website or app, review every piece of information you entered. Even a single digit error in your passport number can result in a refusal.

Step 2: Contact the UK Visa and Immigration Service (UKVI)

The UK Visas and Immigration service manages ETA applications. You can contact UKVI to:

Request clarification on the reason for your refusal (though they are not always required to provide this)
Ask for your application to be reviewed if you believe an error occurred

Contact details for UKVI can be found at gov.uk/contact-ukvi-inside-outside-uk.

Step 3: Consider Whether You Can Reapply for an ETA

In some cases, it is possible to reapply for a UK ETA after a refusal. However, reapplying with identical information will almost certainly result in the same outcome.

You may be able to reapply if:

The original refusal was caused by a data entry error (wrong passport number, incorrect name, etc.)
Your circumstances have materially changed since the first application (e.g. a criminal conviction that has been officially cleared)
You believe there was a technical error in the processing of your application

If you are reapplying due to a data error, correct the error and try again. If you applied through Swift ETA and an error was ours, we will reapply for free.

Step 4: Apply for a UK Standard Visitor Visa

If your ETA has been refused and you are not eligible to reapply, you may still be able to visit the UK by applying for a UK Standard Visitor Visa instead. This is a more detailed application process but it gives you the opportunity to provide more information about yourself and your travel plans.

A UK Standard Visitor Visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to 6 months. The application requires:

A completed application form
Payment of the visa fee (£115 as of 2026)
Attendance at a visa application centre for biometric information (fingerprints and a photo)
Supporting documents (bank statements, employment details, proof of accommodation in the UK, return travel bookings, etc.)

The processing time for a Standard Visitor Visa is typically 3-4 weeks, though priority services are available.

If your ETA was refused due to a criminal record or immigration concerns, a Standard Visitor Visa application gives you the opportunity to provide context and supporting documentation that is not possible in an ETA application.

Step 5: Seek Immigration Advice

If your situation is complex — particularly if it involves a criminal record, previous removals, or security concerns — it is strongly advisable to seek advice from a qualified immigration lawyer or adviser before reapplying or applying for a visa.

An immigration adviser can:

Assess the likely reason for your ETA refusal
Advise whether reapplying is likely to succeed
Help you prepare a compelling Standard Visitor Visa application
Represent you if you need to submit additional documents or respond to the Home Office

Special Situations

My ETA Was Refused but I Have a Clean Record

ETAs can occasionally be refused for administrative or technical reasons that have nothing to do with your personal history. If you are confident that your record is clean and the information you provided was accurate, contact UKVI to seek clarification and consider reapplying.

I Entered Inaccurate Information by Mistake

If your ETA was refused because you accidentally entered the wrong passport number or a misspelled name, this is straightforwardly fixable. Reapply with the correct information. If the error was ours at Swift ETA, we will fix it and reapply at no charge.

My ETA Was Refused and I Have a Flight Booked

Act quickly. Contact your airline and hotel/accommodation immediately to understand your options for change or cancellation. Many travel insurance policies cover ETA and visa refusals — check your policy documents.

Contact UKVI immediately and consider whether a Standard Visitor Visa application is possible within your timeline. Note that visas typically take 3-4 weeks minimum.

I Am Travelling Imminently and My ETA Was Just Refused

If your travel is within the next 24-72 hours and your ETA has been refused, contact UKVI urgently. In some genuine emergency situations, a Priority Visa Service may be available, but this is not guaranteed and requires an application to be submitted at a visa application centre in person.

In most cases, if your ETA is refused and you cannot resolve it before your travel date, you will need to delay or cancel your trip.

Can I Board My Flight Without an ETA?

No. Airlines are required to verify that all passengers have a valid ETA (or visa) before boarding. If you do not have a valid ETA or visa, you will be denied boarding. The airline is responsible for ensuring passengers have the correct travel documents, and will not allow you to board without the right permissions in place.

Avoiding ETA Refusals in the First Place

The best way to avoid a refusal is to:

Provide accurate information — double-check every detail, especially your passport number
Answer all questions honestly — even if you think an issue in your past is irrelevant
Apply well in advance — so there is time to resolve issues before your travel date
Use a reviewed service — Swift ETA's human review catches errors before submission

If you have any concerns about your eligibility for a UK ETA — particularly if you have a criminal record, have been refused a UK visa before, or have been deported from any country — consider seeking immigration advice before applying.

Had your ETA refused after applying elsewhere? Swift ETA can help you understand your options. Email us at hello@swifteta.com with your situation and we'll advise you on the best path forward.

Disclaimer: Swift ETA is an independent application service. We are not immigration lawyers. For complex immigration situations, please seek advice from a qualified immigration professional.