Advice Centre

With the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme now in effect for an increasing number of nationalities, many visitors are finding themselves unexpectedly refused entry authorisation, sometimes with only a limited explanation. If you or someone you know has recently had an ETA refused, it is important to understand that this does not necessarily mean the end of your plans to visit the UK.

In many cases, a Standard Visitor Visa remains a viable alternative and, with the right legal guidance, a strong application can be submitted that directly addresses the reasons behind the ETA refusal UK.

Read more on our ETA landing page.

Understanding ETA Refusals

An ETA is a pre-screening system for non-visa nationals travelling to the UK. A non-visa national is a person who does not normally require a visa to enter the UK for short visits (usually up to 6 months), such as for tourism, business, or family visits. In other words, non-visa nationals can travel to the UK without applying for a visa in advance, but they may still need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).

ETA is designed to assess eligibility before arrival, based on a simplified and automated application process. However, this speed and automation mean that refusals can be issued without full consideration of context and often without clear reasoning.

While each case is different, common reasons for ETA refusals include:

• Previous immigration history (such as overstaying a visa)
• Criminal convictions, even from many years ago
• Inconsistencies or inaccuracies in the information provided
• Concerns about the applicant’s intention to leave the UK
• National security or public policy concerns

Many applicants are surprised to be refused, particularly if they have previously visited the UK without issue. It is important to remember that an ETA refusal is not equivalent to a visa refusal, and it does not prevent you from submitting a full visa application.

The Standard Visitor Visa: A Practical Alternative

If your ETA application is refused, the next step is to apply for a Standard Visitor Visa. This route requires more documentation and detailed information, but it also provides an opportunity to present a full picture of your circumstances and directly address any issues that may have caused the ETA refusal.

A well-prepared visa application will demonstrate that you:

• Are coming to the UK for a genuine, permitted purpose (tourism, business, family visit, etc.)
• Have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay
• Intend to leave the UK at the end of your visit
• Do not pose a risk to UK public order or immigration control

Addressing Specific Grounds for ETA Refusal UK

One of the most critical aspects of a successful visitor visa application after an ETA refusal is to proactively engage with the reason for the refusal, especially if it relates to a criminal record or previous immigration history.

Criminal Convictions

If the ETA was refused on the basis of a past criminal conviction, the visa application must include:

• Clear disclosure of the offence, including official documentation such as a police certificate or court records
• An explanation of the circumstances of the offence
• Evidence of rehabilitation and good character since the incident
• Legal analysis of whether the conviction is “spent” under UK immigration rules

Previous Immigration Issues

If the ETA refusal UK was related to a past visa overstay, refusal, or deportation from the UK or another country, it is essential to provide:

• Full disclosure of the incident, with documentation
• Evidence of changed circumstances and compliance since
• A legal explanation of why the prior history should not prevent entry

General Concerns

For ETA refusals based on insufficient information or automated red flags, a visitor visa allows for the inclusion of:

• A detailed cover letter addressing the ETA refusal
• A complete travel itinerary
• Proof of accommodation and financial means
• Evidence of strong ties to your home country (employment, family, property)
• Supporting International Employers and Global Mobility Teams

We frequently work with overseas employers and multinational businesses whose staff require entry to the UK for meetings, training, or short-term assignments. A refusal of an ETA can be disruptive but it is often resolvable through the proper legal strategy.

Our team regularly supports HR and global mobility teams in:

• Identifying the most appropriate visa route following an ETA refusal
• Preparing business visitor visa applications tailored to the employee’s role and itinerary
• Ensuring full compliance with UK immigration rules and evidential requirements
• Advising on how to minimise the risk of future refusals for other staff members
• Whether you are an individual traveller or a company coordinating staff travel, we provide clear, pragmatic legal advice and end-to-end support in the application process.

How We Can Help

At IMD Corporate, we understand the frustration and uncertainty that an ETA refusal can cause both for individuals and for organisations with international operations. We work closely with clients to assess the underlying issues, prepare a persuasive visa application, and ensure that every concern is addressed professionally and thoroughly.

If your travel plans have been disrupted by an ETA refusal, or if you represent an employer needing urgent support for staff entry into the UK, we are here to help.

To arrange a confidential consultation, please contact us at 0330 107 0107 or complete our online enquiry form.

Jarmila Entezari – Immigration lawyer