Are you having trouble applying for an ETA through the official UK ETA app? Whether you’re unable to make a payment, detect your passport chip, upload your photo, or are facing any other issue that prevents you from moving forward, you’re not alone. The internet is filled with reports highlighting the many problems users face with the UK ETA app.

To make things easier, we’ve compiled a detailed guide outlining the common issues, why they occur, and practical alternatives you can use to successfully obtain your ETA on time, without unnecessary stress or delays.

How do you know if the UK ETA app is not working

In case you’re applying for an Electronic Travel Authorisation through the official UK ETA app, these are some of the common issues you might’ve come across:

Chip-scan detection errors: Many users report that the app struggles to read the passport’s embedded chip, preventing them from completing the application.

Face verification glitches: The face scan step often fails to verify users, repeatedly showing error messages or freezing mid-process.

Payment failures: Even with valid debit or credit cards, applicants frequently experience payment errors, stopping the application from being submitted.

Crashes and account lockouts: The app sometimes crashes partway through, forcing users to restart. In other cases, multiple failed attempts lead to lockouts, leaving applicants unable to continue.

 Reasons the UK ETA app is not working

The UK ETA app’s poor performance stems from several factors: limited device compatibility (requires newer phones and OS versions with NFC), unreliable chip and face-scan technology, and frequent backend or payment gateway glitches. Users also face weak error messages, app crashes, and lockouts with no clear fixes. These technical flaws, combined with rushed rollout and inadequate testing, have made the app widely seen as inefficient and frustrating to use.

How to Apply if the UK ETA app is not working

In case the UK ETA app fails to work properly, you can always trust Atlys to handle the entire process of getting your ETA on time, before you travel to the United Kingdom.

You can do it by following these steps:

1. Visit Atys, choose the UK as your destination, select your nationality and start application

2. Upload a picture of your passport.

1. Enter your email address where you’d like to receive your ETA.

1. Pay the applicable fee and you’re done!

You can track your UK ETA status in the Atlys app.

Here are additional UK ETA resources that would help you during the application process:

• Photo requirements and specifications for your ETA,

• How to check the status of your ETA application and

• The processing time for an ETA.