Reapply for UK ETA After Refusal – Step-by-Step Guide

UK ETA refused? Learn the exact steps to reapply, fix mistakes, and increase your chances of approval. Clear, simple, and updated for 2025.

7/16/20251 min read

How to Reapply if Your UK ETA Is Refused

Getting your UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) refused can be frustrating, especially when you have travel plans in place.
The good news? In most cases, you can reapply successfully — as long as you know what went wrong and fix it.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through why UK ETAs get refused, and exactly how to reapply without making the same mistakes.

1. Understand Why Your UK ETA Was Refused

Before you reapply, it’s important to find the reason for refusal.
Common reasons include:

  • Incorrect personal details (e.g., name or passport number mismatch)

  • Failing to meet eligibility criteria.Check your country eligiblity here.

  • Providing incomplete or false information

  • Having a criminal record or previous immigration issues

  • Overstaying in the UK or another country in the past

💡 Tip: If you’re unsure, review your original application carefully or contact ETA support for clarification.

2. Correct the Errors Before Reapplying

Once you know the problem, make the necessary corrections:

  • Double-check your passport details and spelling

  • Upload clear, high-quality documents if required

  • Ensure your answers match your travel and personal history

  • Provide accurate travel dates and itinerary

3. Wait Before Reapplying (If Advised)

In most cases, you can reapply immediately after fixing errors.
However, if refusal was due to serious issues (e.g., immigration history), you may need to wait until your circumstances change.

4. Reapply Online Through the Official ETA System

The UK ETA application is 100% online.
Simply:

  1. Visit the official UK ETA application portal

  2. Fill out your updated information

  3. Pay the application fee again

  4. Submit and wait for approval (usually within 24–72 hours)

5. Avoid Future Refusals

To improve your chances of approval:

  • Review your application twice before submitting

  • Make sure your passport is valid for your entire trip

  • Avoid last-minute applications before travel

  • Provide only truthful and complete information


If your UK ETA is refused, don’t panic.
By identifying the reason, correcting mistakes, and submitting a clean application, you can still get approved and travel as planned.