Planning a trip to the UK? Before you find yourself wandering through cobbled streets and cosy cafés, there’s one little step to tick off your list: the UK ETA application.

It’s a quick process, but knowing what questions to expect can make things even easier. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the eight main sections, covering everything from personal details to your travel history, so you can breeze through the form without a hitch.

At Atlys, we’ve helped countless travellers get their UK ETA approved effortlessly, and we’re here to help you do the same. 

Quick Summary

To put it simply, the UK ETA application form is designed to verify your identity, understand the purpose of your visit, and assess any potential security concerns. Here’s a breakdown of the eight key areas you’ll need to complete during the application process:

1. Personal Information – Basic details such as your full name, date of birth, and nationality.

2. Passport Details – Information from your travel document, including passport number, issue date, and expiry date.

3. Travel Intentions – Questions about why you’re visiting the UK, where you plan to stay, and how long you’ll be there.

4. Criminal History – Disclosure of any past convictions or offences.

5. Immigration History – Previous visa rejections, deportations, or entry denials from any country.

6. Public Good and Conduct – Questions to ensure you pose no threat to public safety or order.

7. Litigation Costs – Details about any unpaid legal or government-related costs.

8. Previous ETA or Visa Applications – Information about any earlier UK visa or ETA submissions.

Each section is straightforward but requires careful attention to ensure all details are accurate and consistent with your travel documents.

What questions are asked on the UK ETA application? 

Here’s a detailed look at the UK ETA questions: what they cover, why they matter, and how to answer them correctly to avoid delays or rejections.

1. Personal Information

Sample questions that can be asked:

• What is your full name as shown on your passport?

• What is your date of birth?

• What is your current email address and mobile number?

• What is your country of nationality?

Well, the first section of the ETA application focuses on verifying your identity. You’ll be asked to provide:

• Full name: Exactly as it appears on your passport.

• Date of birth: Use the same date format listed on your travel document.

• Contact details: A valid email address and mobile phone number where updates about your application can be sent.

This ensures the UK authorities can contact you about your application status or if any clarification is needed. It also helps prevent identity-related errors that could delay processing.

Tip: Double-check for typos or spelling mistakes. Even a minor discrepancy between your passport and application details can cause problems during your journey.

2. Passport Details

Sample questions that can be asked:

• What is the number of the passport you will travel with?

• Which country issued this passport?

• What is the expiry date of your passport?

• Do you hold any other passports or nationalities?

Your ETA will be digitally linked to your passport, so accurate passport information is crucial. You’ll be required to provide:

• Passport number

• Issuing country

• Date of issue and expiry date

If your passport is about to expire, it’s best to renew it before applying for the ETA. The authorisation is valid only for the passport you use in the application; if you later renew or replace it, you’ll need to reapply.

Note: Any incorrect or mismatched passport data can make your ETA invalid, which may result in being denied boarding or entry into the UK.

3. Travel Intentions

Sample questions that can be asked:

• What is the purpose of your visit to the UK? (e.g., tourism, visiting family/friends, business)

• How long do you intend to stay in the UK?

• Will you be undertaking any paid work while in the UK?

• Where will you be staying during your visit (address or general location)?

The UK ETA is designed for short-term visits. You’ll need to clearly specify the reason for your travel. The main categories include:

• Tourism: Holidays, sightseeing, or leisure trips.

• Visiting family or friends: Short social visits.

• Business travel: Meetings, conferences, or short-term business engagements (not for employment).

• Creative work: Participation in cultural or artistic events (if eligible).

You might also need to share details such as your intended arrival date, the duration of your stay, and your accommodation address.

Providing this information helps immigration officials confirm that your plans align with the permitted activities under the ETA scheme.

4. Criminal History

Sample questions that can be asked:

• Have you ever been convicted of a criminal offence in the UK or elsewhere for which you received a custodial sentence of 12 months or more?

• Have you been convicted of any offence in the past 12 months, regardless of whether you received a custodial sentence?

• Are you currently subject to any criminal investigation, charge or caution?

To maintain public safety, the UK government screens applicants for any criminal background. You’ll be asked whether you have:

• Ever been convicted of a crime resulting in a custodial sentence of 12 months or more.

• Received any convictions in the past 12 months, regardless of sentence length.

If you answer “yes,” you may be asked for more details, such as the type of offence and the date it occurred.

Important: Failing to declare relevant information can result in automatic refusal and may affect your eligibility for future UK travel authorisations.

5. Immigration History

Sample questions that can be asked:

• Have you ever overstayed a visa or other permission in the UK?

• Have you ever entered the UK illegally or been deported or removed?

• Have you ever used deception or false information to gain entry or stay in the UK?

In this section, applicants must share any previous immigration-related incidents. The questions focus on whether you have:

• Overstayed a visa or travel authorisation in the UK.

• Entered illegally or used false documents to gain entry.

• Provided misleading information in past applications.

Authorities use this information to assess your credibility and compliance with immigration laws. A prior violation doesn’t always lead to rejection, but honesty is essential.

6. Public Good and Conduct

Sample questions that can be asked:

• Do you have any links to criminal or extremist organisations?

• Have you engaged in any activity which could be seen as harmful to the UK’s interests?

• Are you considered a risk to public safety, public order or the UK’s national security?

The ETA system also includes questions related to national security and public safety. These questions determine if your presence could be considered a risk. You’ll need to confirm that you:

• Have no links to criminal or extremist organisations.

• Have not participated in activities harmful to the UK’s interests.

The government takes this section very seriously. Any association with groups or activities that threaten public safety can result in immediate refusal of your ETA.

7. Litigation Costs

Sample questions that can be asked:

• Do you owe any unpaid litigation costs to the UK Home Office, or have you been subject to any immigration-related financial liabilities?

• Are there any legal obligations you have failed to meet in relation to UK immigration matters?

This part applies to applicants who have had previous dealings with the UK Home Office. You’ll be asked if you owe any unpaid litigation costs, for example, from a previous immigration or legal dispute with the government. Outstanding costs must be settled before applying, as unpaid dues can affect your eligibility.

8. Previous ETA or Visa Applications

Sample questions that can be asked:

• Have you ever had a UK ETA cancelled, refused or revoked?

• Have you been refused a UK visa or been refused entry to the UK (or any other country)?

• Have you previously travelled to the UK under the ETA scheme or another form of visitor permission?

The final section of the questionnaire focuses on your past applications. You’ll need to disclose if you have ever:

• Had a UK ETA or visa cancelled.

• Been refused entry or denied permission to enter the UK.

Providing accurate details helps immigration officers assess your history with the UK border system. A previous refusal doesn’t always lead to rejection, but failing to declare it can.

Tips for Answering The Questions

• Make sure all information matches your passport exactly (spelling, dates, nationality).

• Be honest when responding — omissions or false answers can lead to refusal or future travel complications.

• Have your passport in hand so you can enter details accurately.

• If you’re unsure about a particular question (especially around previous immigration history or criminality), consider seeking advice.

• Submit the application well in advance of your travel date.

Consequences of False or Misleading Information

Honesty and accuracy are vital throughout the ETA application. Submitting false, misleading, or incomplete information can have serious consequences, including:

• Immediate refusal of your ETA.

• Bans on future travel to the UK.

• Possible legal action for misrepresentation.

Before submitting, review every answer carefully and ensure that all information matches your passport and supporting documents.

The UK ETA process is straightforward once you know what to expect. Taking a few extra minutes to review your details can make the difference between a smooth approval and unnecessary delays.

If you’d like expert guidance, Atlys can help you navigate the process effortlessly, from filling out your ETA form to tracking your approval status, so you can focus on planning your UK adventure, not paperwork.