UK ETA questions: What questions are asked on the UK ETA application?

Planning a trip to the UK? Before you go, you'll need to answer some key UK ETA questions as part of your travel authorization. So, you may wonder: What questions are asked on the UK ETA application? In this guide, we’ll break down the 8 main question categories, from personal details to past travel history, so you know exactly what to expect—and how to avoid mistakes.

UK ETA questions in 8 steps

What questions are asked on the UK ETA application? The UK ETA questionnaire is structured to verify an applicant’s identity, assess their travel intentions, and determine any potential risks they might pose to national security. Below are the primary areas you may face in the application:

1. Personal information

2. Passport details

3. Travel intentions

4. Criminal history

5. Immigration history

6. Public good and conduct

7. Litigation costs

8. Previous ETA or visa applications

Here are the details you should know about UK ETA questions.

Personal information

Applicants must provide:

• Full name

• Date of birth

• Contact details (email and phone number)

These details help confirm the applicant’s identity and ensure that any necessary communication regarding the application can be made promptly.

Passport details

Since the UK ETA is electronically linked to the traveler’s passport, applicants must submit accurate passport information, including:

• Passport number

• Issuing country

• Expiry date

Providing incorrect passport details could result in the ETA being invalid or denied upon entry.

Travel intentions

Applicants must specify the purpose of their visit. The UK ETA is intended for travelers visiting for short-term reasons such as:

• Tourism

• Visiting family or friends

• Business engagements (short-term, non-employment-related)

• Creative work (if eligible)

Clearly stating the travel purpose helps UK authorities determine if the ETA aligns with the traveler’s intended activities.

Criminal history

To maintain public safety, applicants are required to disclose past criminal convictions, particularly:

• Custodial sentences of 12 months or more

• Any convictions within the past 12 months, regardless of sentence length

Failure to declare relevant criminal history can lead to application refusal and further restrictions on future UK travel.

Immigration history

Applicants must answer questions about their previous interactions with immigration authorities, including:

• Overstaying visas or permissions in the UK

• Illegal entry into the UK

• Use of deception in past immigration applications

A history of immigration violations may impact the approval of the ETA application.

Public good and conduct

The UK government considers an applicant’s associations and behaviors to ensure they align with public safety and national interests. Questions in this section cover:

• Links to criminal organizations

• Involvement in activities deemed harmful to the UK’s interests

Any affiliations that pose a risk to national security can lead to immediate refusal.

Litigation costs

Applicants must declare any unpaid litigation costs owed to the UK Home Office. This ensures compliance with previous legal and financial obligations related to immigration matters.

Previous ETA or visa applications

To assess an applicant’s history with UK immigration, the ETA application includes questions on:

• Previous ETA cancellations

• Refusals of entry clearance or visitor permission

• If an applicant has a history of ETA or visa refusals, it may affect their eligibility.

Consequences of false or misleading information

Providing false, misleading, or incomplete information can lead to immediate refusal, future travel bans, or even legal consequences for misrepresentation. To ensure a smooth application process, applicants should review their responses thoroughly before submission.

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