UK ETA Photo Requirements (2026) — Face Photo Rules, Size & Tips

For a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), you either take your face photo inside the official UK ETA app or, if you apply on GOV.UK, upload a JPG face photo that is at least 600 pixels wide and 750 pixels tall and between 50 KB and 6 MB. The photo must be recent-looking, on a plain light-coloured background, with a plain expression and no glasses unless you have to wear them. You also need a separate photo of your passport's photo page.

The rules below come from GOV.UK: the ETA application pages, the guidance on using the UK ETA app, and the Home Office's rules for digital photos of faces, which the ETA application links to.

Who needs a UK ETA?

According to GOV.UK, you usually need an ETA rather than a visa if you are visiting from Europe, the USA, Australia, Canada or certain other countries for up to 6 months and do not already have permission to live, work or study in the UK. US citizens and other non-European visitors have needed an ETA since January 2025, and eligible Europeans, including EU citizens, since April 2025. British and Irish citizens, including dual citizens, do not need one.

How is the photo taken for a UK ETA?

There are two routes. In the UK ETA app, you scan your passport with your phone, complete a face scan to confirm you are a real person, and take a photo of your face inside the app. GOV.UK calls the app the easiest way to apply. To apply in the app for someone else, they need to be with you.

If you apply online on GOV.UK instead, you need two images: a photo of your passport's photo page and a digital photo of the face of the person applying. This is the route to use if you cannot use the app or are applying for someone who is not with you.

What size should a UK ETA photo be?

The Home Office rules for digital photos of faces, which the ETA application links to, set these technical requirements:

GOV.UK does not publish a maximum pixel size or an exact aspect ratio, only that the photo must be at least 600×750 pixels and vertically oriented. A normal portrait photo from a modern phone camera easily meets this.

What background is needed?

The photo must be taken against a plain, light-coloured background in clear contrast to you, with no other objects or people in it and no shadows on your face or behind you. A white or light grey wall in a well-lit room works well. Stand a little away from the wall so your shadow does not fall on it.

Can you wear glasses in a UK ETA photo?

GOV.UK says not to wear glasses unless you have to. If you must wear them, they cannot be sunglasses or tinted glasses, and your eyes cannot be covered by the frames or by glare, reflection or shadow.

What expression and pose are allowed?

• A plain expression with your mouth closed.
• Eyes open and visible, with no hair in front of them.
• Facing and looking straight at the camera.
• Shoulders and torso clothed.
• No head covering, unless it is for religious or medical reasons.

If you wear a head covering for religious or medical reasons, the app may flag the photo, but GOV.UK says you can still submit it.

What photos are not accepted?

• A photo altered by software or with a filter added.
• A scan or photo of another photo of you.
• The same photo that is in your passport or identity card.
• Photos with other people, objects or shadows in the frame.

What are the rules for children?

Children under 6 do not have to look directly at the camera, and children under one do not have to have their eyes open. In the app, children aged 9 or younger are not asked to do the face scan, but a photo of their face is still needed. Every traveller, including babies, needs their own ETA.

How to take a good UK ETA photo at home

1. Stand about half a metre in front of a plain white or light grey wall.
2. Face a window or a soft light so your face is evenly lit and there is no shadow behind you.
3. Remove glasses and hats, and move hair away from your eyes.
4. Ask someone to take the photo at eye level from about 1.5 metres away, showing your head, shoulders and upper body.
5. Keep a plain expression with your mouth closed and look straight at the lens.
6. Save it as a JPG and check it is at least 600×750 pixels and under 6 MB before you upload.

What happens if the photo does not meet the rules?

GOV.UK warns that if the face photo does not meet the rules, the application may be delayed or rejected. Because the ETA costs £20 and the fee is not refunded, it is worth checking the photo against the rules before you pay.

Check your photo before you apply

Our free Passport Photo Checker flags common problems such as glasses, an open mouth, a tilted head or a blurry photo, and the free Photo Size Converter shows whether your image meets the 600×750 pixel minimum. Both are free and run in your browser.