Plenty of half-truths circulate about the UK ETA application on etourist.com and the scheme behind it. Some come from older rules, others from the word “permit” itself. Here are the most common ones, set against what GOV.UK, the Home Office and eTourist’s own terms actually say.
- “The ETA is just another name for a visa.”
- “eTourist is part of the UK government.”
- “Paying for Rush gets a faster government decision.”
- “One application covers the whole family.”
- “Approval means guaranteed entry.”
- “You need a new ETA for every trip.”
- “A refused ETA can be appealed.”
The ETA Is Not a Visa
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| An ETA is a visa under another name | An ETA is for visitors who do not need a visa for short stays |
| It lets you work or move to the UK | It covers visits of up to 6 months, without work for a UK company |
People who need a visa still need one, and an ETA cannot replace it. The ETA is a lighter digital permission for nationalities that were already visa-free for short visits.
eTourist Is Not a Government Office
Some travellers assume any site that submits an ETA must be official. eTourist says plainly that it is a private application assistance service.
Fact. The terms name Travel Zoom LLC, a Delaware company, and state it is not affiliated with, endorsed by or acting for any government. The ETA is issued only by the UK Home Office.
Paying for Rush Does Not Rush the Home Office
eTourist offers Standard, Rush and Super Rush service levels. It is easy to read those as faster government decisions.
- The terms say service levels measure only eTourist’s own preparation time.
- Government processing times are outside its control.
- GOV.UK says decisions usually come within a day and can take up to 3 working days.
One Application Does Not Cover the Whole Family
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| Children travel on a parent’s ETA | Every traveller needs their own ETA, including babies |
| Children travel free | eTourist says each child pays the full GBP 20 government fee |
Approval Is Not a Promise of Entry
An approved ETA lets you board and travel. It does not settle what happens at the border.
Note. GOV.UK says an ETA does not guarantee entry, and Border Force officers make the final decision on arrival. eTourist’s terms add that it cannot promise entry either.
You Do Not Need a New ETA for Every Trip
The Home Office says one ETA permits multiple journeys for stays of up to six months at a time. It lasts two years, or until the passport expires if that comes first.
You only need a new one when it runs out or when you get a new passport. Buying a fresh eTourist order for each visit simply repeats the fees.
A Refusal Cannot Be Appealed
Some travellers expect an appeal route if things go wrong. There is none.
Warning. The Home Office says a refused applicant cannot appeal and must apply for a visa instead. eTourist’s service fee is only refunded for a refusal if Denial Protection was bought before submission.
You Do Not Have to Print the ETA
Some travellers expect a paper permit to show at check-in. GOV.UK says the ETA is linked to the passport you applied with, and you only need to show that passport when you travel.
Keeping the decision email and its 16-digit reference number is still sensible, in case an airline queries it.
Not Every Phone Works With the Official App
The official app is the easiest route for many, but it has requirements.
- An iPhone 7 or newer on iOS 16 or later
- Or an Android 12 phone with NFC
- A passport chip scan where the passport has one
- A face scan for applicants aged 10 and over
Without a suitable phone, the GOV.UK online form is the free alternative. eTourist’s web form is a paid one.
Dual Nationals Do Not Always Need One
Fact. British and Irish citizens, including dual citizens, are exempt. The Home Office advises them to travel with British or Irish documentation so the airline does not expect an ETA.
A dual national who books on their other passport, for example a Canadian one, risks being treated as needing an ETA at check-in.
The ETA Does Not Cover Every Purpose
Calling it a permit can suggest it covers anything. GOV.UK says an ETA is for tourism, visiting family and friends, business trips, short-term study and transit.
It does not allow stays over 6 months, work for a UK company, claiming public funds or marrying in the UK. Those need a visa.
How UK Entry Permit Applications Really Work
Strip away the myths and the picture is simple. The Home Office sets the rules, charges GBP 20 and makes the decision. eTourist is one optional way to submit, adding a review and support for a service fee.
| Step | What really happens |
|---|---|
| Apply | Directly through GOV.UK, or through a service such as eTourist |
| Decision | Made by the Home Office, usually within a day |
| Travel | The airline checks the ETA linked to your passport |
| Arrival | Border Force makes the final entry decision |
The common thread in every myth above is the same. Each one gives the ETA, or the service submitting it, more power than it has.
The verdict: treat “entry permit” as shorthand for a travel authorisation, not a visa or a guarantee. This is general information, not immigration advice.