Having trouble with your passport number on the UK ETA application? If the UK ETA app won’t accept your passport number, you’re not the only one.
The ETA is a digital permit required for visa-exempt nationals visiting the UK for short stays, such as tourism, business, or transit.
iVisa helps travelers avoid passport format errors and rejection with step-by-step guidance, checks, and 24/7 support, so you can focus on your trip while we help you get the details right the first time. This info is written with official UK guidelines in mind.
- Recommendations align with official UK requirements to ensure accuracy.
What is the UK ETA and who needs it?
The UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is a digital pre-travel approval for visa‑exempt nationals visiting or transiting the United Kingdom. Applications require a valid passport, a recent photo, correct contact details, and payment.
Many applicants run into problems when entering their passport number or scanning their passport through the UK ETA app.
While the UK offers a mobile app for applying, you can also submit your ETA online. iVisa offers a simplified process that helps prevent common errors (including passport-number formatting issues), and checks and adjusts photos to meet official UK government standards.
Why is my passport number rejected by the UK ETA app?
There are several reasons your passport number might be flagged. To help you understand what’s going wrong, here’s a breakdown of common causes:
| Issue |
Description |
| OCR/scan error |
App may misread “O” as “0” or “I” as “1” due to lighting/glare |
| Wrong number |
Travelers enter their national ID or old passport number |
| Extra characters |
Dashes, spaces, or hidden characters from copy-paste or autofill trigger rejections |
| MRZ mismatch |
Scanned number must match the Machine-Readable Zone |
A single wrong digit can invalidate your UK ETA application. When applying through iVisa, you’ll get a full review, and we spot passport number mistakes early.
What are the correct UK ETA passport number requirements?
For a UK ETA, you must apply using the physical passport you will travel with and enter the passport number exactly as printed on the photo page and encoded in the machine‑readable zone (MRZ), with no spaces, hyphens, or extra characters.
The ETA is digitally linked to that specific passport, so any mismatch, even one character, can trigger an “invalid passport number” error, and if you renew or replace your passport you’ll need to apply again with the new number.
When applying for the UK ETA, your passport number must be entered exactly as shown in your passport’s Machine-Readable Zone (MRZ) - the two lines of letters, numbers, and symbols at the bottom of the photo page.
Here are the UK ETA passport number formatting rules:
- Use only the alphanumeric characters (letters and numbers) exactly as printed
- Do not add spaces, hyphens, or punctuation
- Do not substitute similar characters, like typing "O" instead of "0" or "I" instead of "1"
- Always use the passport number, not a national ID or other identifier
- If your passport has multiple numbers, use the one labeled “Passport No.” or found in the MRZ lines
Examples of correct passport number formatting for the UK ETA application
| Passport shows |
Correct entry |
Incorrect entry |
Why it's wrong |
| C01X00T7 |
C01X00T-7, C0IXOOT7 |
No hyphens; "0" (zero) mistaken for "O" (letter) |
| 987654321 |
987 654 321 |
No spaces allowed |
| AA1234567 |
AA 1234567, AA-1234567 |
Must match exactly; no spaces or dashes |
Step-by-step: How to solve passport errors in the UK ETA application
Follow these tips to avoid the most common mistakes.
-
Make sure you’re using the correct passport, not a personal ID or expired document number.
-
Hold it flat under natural light to reduce glare.
-
Manually enter numbers to avoid autofill errors.
-
Match every character to the MRZ line (2 lines of digits at the bottom of the passport bio page).
-
Reinstall the app.
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If the above fails, try the GOV.UK web-based form or use iVisa.
iVisa lets you submit your application without relying on the app. These small adjustments can save you hours of frustration.
How can iVisa help fix UK ETA passport Issues?
We’ve worked with thousands of travelers facing issues like these, and our application review process is built to prevent them.
Traveler use-case: Flagging passport number formatting issues
For example, one traveler had their passport number auto-filled with a capital “O” instead of a zero, leading to repeated rejections.
”I couldn’t figure out why the official UK ETA wouldn’t accept my passport number. Turns out it was a simple issue, but one I couldn’t see myself.” - Annie, U.S. traveler
iVisa caught the mistake right at the start of the application, corrected the entry, and submitted the UK ETA application successfully without issues.
Traveler use-case: Bypassing UK ETA app glitches
Another traveler experienced freezing during the face scan stage, but completed the process smoothly through iVisa’s app option.
”The UK ETA app kept freezing during the identity verification, which was so frustrating! In the end I used iVisa and the process was so much easier, no face scan needed either.”
By manually reviewing all passport details and using modern technology, we help applicants move forward quickly, even after failed attempts through the official UK ETA app.
Need the UK ETA quickly and can’t get past the passport number step? Use iVisa for a simplified UK ETA application.
FAQs: UK ETA and passport number issues
Why won’t the UK ETA app accept my passport number?
Typical causes include:
- Using the wrong number (booklet code vs MRZ number)
- Character confusion (O/0, I/1)
- Punctuation or lowercase letters
- Using expired documents
- Unreadable chips or ineligible passport types
Nationality eligibility can also block submission. iVisa resolves this by validating your MRZ number, checking and correcting the format, and checking eligibility before you pay any fees.
If number or passport issues persist, we guide you to apply through the official UK ETA website instead, or use a service like iVisa, which flags passport number issues early to avoid delays and rejection.
The UK ETA app won’t accept my passport number, can I apply elsewhere?
Yes, you don’t have to use the app. The UK government lets you apply either in the UK ETA app or on the official GOV.UK website, and the web form is the usual fallback when the app refuses a passport number.
However, if you’re wanting some extra reassurance during your UK ETA application, you can also apply through a service like iVisa. Their expert team performs an extra check of your passport number and other details, so you have peace of mind.
Can I correct my passport number after submitting an ETA application?
No. Once submitted, your ETA is digitally tied to that passport number.
If you made a mistake, you generally need to submit a new ETA application and pay the official fee again. iVisa minimizes this risk by performing auto checks and a human review before submission.
We also outline reapplying steps quickly if a new passport is issued, reducing disruption to upcoming travel plans.
What number in my passport should I enter?
Use the passport number printed on the photo page, which is the same number that appears in the Machine-Readable Zone (the 2 lines of digits at the bottom of the bio pages). Make sure to not enter your national ID number or previous passport number.
What if my UK ETA was rejected due to the wrong number?
You must reapply for a UK ETA. The ETA is tied to the exact passport number used during application. iVisa can help you submit a new, corrected application.
Can iVisa help me get the UK ETA if I’ve already failed on the app?
Yes. Whether the issue was with your passport number, a photo upload, or a scan error, iVisa helps troubleshoot the issue and reapply correctly and quickly.
My passport shows two numbers. Which one goes into the ETA form?
Use the passport number exactly as it appears in the machine-readable zone (MRZ) on the photo page. Ignore cover or booklet numbers. The MRZ sequence aligns with the data structure the ETA system validates.
iVisa helps you locate the MRZ correctly, including tricky characters. We ensure formatting matches official expectations, uppercase letters, no spaces, and that dates and names are consistent.
What if I have an emergency or temporary passport?
Emergency or temporary travel documents may not be eligible for the UK ETA, and NFC chip/machine-readable standards can differ.
In such cases, you might need to apply for the appropriate UK visa instead, such as a UK Standard Visitor Visa.
iVisa verifies document eligibility up front and, if the UK ETA isn’t permitted, provides the correct visa route and requirements. This prevents paying any fees only to discover your document type cannot be used for the authorization.
How long does a UK ETA decision take once the number is accepted?
Most decisions are quick, but the UK advises allowing up to three working days. Delays can occur if additional checks are needed.
iVisa helps you submit a complete, correct application to reduce processing delays. We also provide status updates and what to do if you have last-minute needs. Submitting as early as possible is best practice, especially if you recently renewed your passport.
We also offer three different processing options, including same-day delivery.
Will my UK ETA still be valid if I renew my passport?
No. A UK ETA is linked to the passport number used in the application. If you renew or replace your passport, you’ll need to apply for a new ETA using the new number.
iVisa checks your passport expiry date and recommends next steps in case of reapplication. If you must renew, we’ll help you reapply fast with human review and MRZ validation, so your new ETA is issued against the correct passport.
Are ETA fees refundable if my data was wrong?
Official UK ETA fees are typically non-refundable once your application is processed.
iVisa focuses on preventing mistakes upfront, saving time and money by reducing the chance you’ll need to pay again to reapply with a new passport number or other avoidable mistakes.
Can iVisa submit the ETA on my behalf?
Yes. iVisa can prepare, pre-check, and guide you through the application. We optimize accuracy, ensure eligibility, and help you resolve app errors by bypassing some of the most difficult parts of the application, such as passport formatting, scanning the passport, or uploading a photo.
This keeps your application compliant while leveraging iVisa’s expertise to avoid common pitfalls and reapplications.
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