UK ETA refused or rejected: what US travelers should do next
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Short answer — ETA refused: what now?
Read your UKVI email carefully. According to the Home Office ETA factsheet (April 2026): if an ETA application is rejected, you are told the reason and can apply again; if it is refused, you cannot appeal and instead need to apply for a visa if you still wish to seek permission to come to the UK. The ETA fee of £20 is not refundable after you apply — including when the outcome is negative. Normal fee, apply steps, and validity: UK ETA guide.
Rejected or refused — read the decision
Start with the UKVI email wording. The Home Office distinguishes two outcomes:
| Result (EN) | Meaning | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| rejected | You are told the reason | You can apply again for an ETA |
| refused | Formal refusal | No appeal → apply for a visa if you still want permission to come to the UK |
Do not treat third-party blogs as the rule source. If your message says rejected, a corrected re-application may be appropriate. If it says refused, the documented path is a visa, not an ETA appeal process.
US nationals usually need an ETA rather than a visa for short visits — but a refused ETA changes the next step. An ETA also does not guarantee entry even when granted (GOV.UK).
When to re-apply for an ETA
A new ETA application may make sense when the message indicates rejected and you can fix the reason — for example if the face photo did not meet GOV.UK photo rules (the application may be delayed or rejected).
- Decision by email from UKVI, usually within a day; allow up to 3 working days
- After a rejected outcome you can fix: restart with help on my-evisas.com, or revisit the UK ETA guide
- If you are unsure whether your case is re-apply ETA vs visa path, my-evisas.com can help with the ETA path only
When to apply for a Standard Visitor visa
If the application was refused, apply for a visa before travel and wait for a grant if you still wish to seek permission to come to the UK (Home Office factsheet). For many tourism/family/business visits, that path is the Standard Visitor visa.
| Point | Stand (GOV.UK) |
|---|---|
| Fee | £135 for up to 6 months |
| Earliest apply | 3 months before travel |
Official overview: gov.uk/standard-visitor. Apply page: Apply for a Standard Visitor visa.
Not via my-evisas.com: Standard Visitor / VAC / embassy processes are official DIY only — we do not sell visitor-visa filing. Deeper DIY notes: UK visitor visa guide.
GOV.UK also notes that if you’ve previously been refused entry to the UK or have a criminal record, you may want a Standard Visitor visa even if you would not otherwise need one.
Costs & refunds
- ETA: £20 — no refund after you apply (including after a negative outcome)
- Standard Visitor visa (up to 6 months): £135 on GOV.UK — check the official fee table for other lengths
Do not rely on third-party price quotes.
FAQ
Can I appeal a UK ETA refusal?
No. For a refused ETA, the Home Office states you cannot appeal and need to apply for a visa instead if you still want permission to come to the UK. There is no invented “request a review” process in this guide.
Can I still fly after a refusal?
Do not travel without the permission you need (a valid ETA or an approved visa, as applicable). Carriers and the border expect the right authorisation.
When should I re-apply for an ETA — and when a visa?
Rejected (with a reason you can fix) → often re-apply for an ETA. Refused → visa path (commonly Standard Visitor for short visits). When unsure, read the UKVI email literally; for ETA-only questions you can use my-evisas.com.
What does the Standard Visitor visa cost?
£135 for up to 6 months (GOV.UK). Always confirm the current amount on the official page.
What my-evisas.com does — and does not
| Path | Via my-evisas.com? |
|---|---|
| UK ETA (online help / assessment) | Soft yes → my-evisas.com |
| Standard Visitor visa / VAC / embassy | No — official DIY on gov.uk/standard-visitor |
| Sticker visa / consulate appointments | No |
→ UK hub · UK ETA guide · UK visitor visa
Sources
- UK Home Office — ETA factsheet (April 2026)
- GOV.UK — Apply for an ETA
- GOV.UK — Standard Visitor
- GOV.UK — Apply for a Standard Visitor visa
- GOV.UK — Get an ETA
Last updated: 25 July 2026
Important Notice
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. my-evisas.com is a private service provider and not a government authority, embassy, or consulate.
Visa requirements and entry regulations can change at short notice. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information provided. Only the official regulations in force at the time of your application are authoritative.
As of: 25 July 2026
Binding and up-to-date information is provided exclusively by the relevant official authorities. Please verify the currently applicable requirements before your application or travel: gov.uk/eta · gov.uk/standard-visitor · Home Office ETA factsheet