Can You Apply for the UK ETA Without Booking a Flight? (2025 Update)

One of the most common questions travellers ask is:
“Do I need to book my flight first before applying for the UK ETA?”
The answer is no — you can apply for the UK ETA even if you haven’t booked your flight yet.

Below is a complete guide explaining why, what information is required, and what to keep in mind when submitting your application.

Do You Need a Flight Ticket to Apply for the UK ETA?

No. The UK government does not require a confirmed flight ticket to submit your ETA application.
You only need to provide basic information about your travel plans, such as:

• Your intended date of arrival

• Your country of departure

• Purpose of travel (tourism, family visit, business, etc.)

This information can be approximate and does not need to be linked to a booked ticket.

✅ So yes — you can apply before finalising your flight booking.

Why You Can Apply Without a Flight Ticket

The UK ETA is a pre-travel security authorisation, not a booking confirmation.
It is designed to approve eligible travellers before they make final travel arrangements.

Benefits of applying early (before booking):

• You avoid the risk of buying a ticket before being approved

• You get enough time to correct mistakes if your ETA is delayed

• You eliminate last-minute stress

What You Should Have Before Applying

Even though a flight ticket isn’t required, you should still have:

Requirement Needed for ETA Application

• Valid Passport ✅ Yes

• Travel Purpose ✅ Yes

• Flight Ticket ❌ Not required

• Hotel Reservation ❌ Not required

• Payment Method ✅ Yes

Pro Tips

• Use realistic travel dates in your application (approximate is fine)

• Apply at least 2–4 weeks in advance of your expected travel date

• Book your flight only after you receive ETA approval

• Make sure your passport is valid for the full duration of your trip

Final Word:

You do not need a flight ticket to apply for your UK ETA.
Simply enter your planned travel dates and purpose, submit your application online, and once approved, you can confidently book your flight to the UK. You can also check Is the UK ETA Linked to Your Passport or Flight Ticket? (2025 Guide)