UK ETA and Biometrics: Do You Need Fingerprinting? | Complete Guide

As the United Kingdom introduces the UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation), one of the most common questions from travelers is: “Do I need to provide fingerprints or other biometrics when applying?”

The good news is that fingerprinting is not required for the UK ETA. Here’s everything you need to know about how biometrics fit into the new ETA system.

Does the UK ETA Require Fingerprinting?

No, fingerprinting is not required for a UK ETA application.

Unlike a traditional UK visa, where applicants may need to visit a visa application center to provide fingerprints and photographs, the UK ETA process is fully digital. You can complete it online in just a few minutes, without the need for an in-person appointment.

What Information Is Needed for a UK ETA?

When applying for your UK ETA, you’ll be asked to provide:

• Your passport details (machine-readable biometric passport required).

• Basic personal information (name, date of birth, nationality).

• Travel details (purpose of visit, intended dates).

• Answers to standard security and background questions.

Once approved, your ETA is electronically linked to your passport — so no fingerprints or face scans are collected.

Why Doesn’t the UK ETA Require Biometrics?

The UK designed the ETA system to be fast, secure, and traveler-friendly. Since the program applies to short-term visa-exempt visitors, the government relies on:

• Digital passport checks at the border.

• Pre-travel screening against security databases.

• Airline verification before boarding.

This streamlined process eliminates the need for travelers to provide fingerprints, making the UK ETA much easier than a standard visa.

Will Biometrics Ever Be Added to the UK ETA?

For now, biometrics are not part of the ETA process. However, the UK government may expand security features in the future. If biometrics like facial recognition are introduced, they would likely be handled automatically at eGates in airports and seaports — not during the ETA application itself.

You can also check UK ETA for Dual Citizens: Which Passport Should You Use?

Final Answer

If you’re applying for a UK ETA, you do not need to give fingerprints or other biometrics. The process is simple, entirely online, and designed to save travelers time compared to a traditional visa.

👉 Apply today at ETAApplyUK.com and get your travel authorisation in minutes.