Planning a family trip to the UK is exciting, but the new entry rules can be confusing. You know you need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for yourself, but what about your children? Do babies need their own approval? What if they don’t have an email address?
Getting this wrong is not an option. A missing ETA for just one family member can stop your entire group at the airport in Kuala Lumpur.
The good news is that the process is straightforward if you know the steps. This guide will walk you through exactly how to apply for a UK ETA for minors, infants, and teens, ensuring your family holiday starts without stress.
Need help reviewing your family’s applications? Start your hassle-free application at uketa.com.my.
Do Children and Babies Need a UK ETA?
Yes, absolutely.
There are no age exemptions for the UK ETA. Every single traveler, from a newborn baby to a teenager, must have their own individual approved ETA before they can board a flight to the UK.
Many parents assume that because a child is traveling on a parent’s lap or is a minor, they are covered by the parent’s visa or ETA. This is incorrect. If your child travels on a Malaysian passport, they need their own digital permission linked to that passport.
Requirements for a Child’s UK ETA Application
Before you start filling out forms, you need to gather the right documents. The requirements for children are slightly different from adults, specifically regarding photos.
Documents You Must Have Ready
- Valid Biometric Passport: The child must have their own passport.
- A Digital Photo: A clear image of the child’s face (jpg or jpeg).
- Parent/Guardian Details: You will need to provide your contact information as the representative.
- Travel Details: Arrival dates (even if tentative).
- Payment Method: Credit or debit card.
Special Photo Rules for Children Under 6
Taking a passport-style photo of a toddler or infant is difficult. The UK Home Office (UKVI) allows some flexibility for children under 6 years old:
- Neutral Expression: Not strictly required. The child does not have to look directly at the camera.
- Support: You can support the baby’s head with your hand, but your hand must not be visible in the photo.
- Toys/Pacifiers: These are not allowed. The face must be clear of obstructions.
- Eyes: Must be open and clearly visible.
Comparison: Adult vs. Child ETA Rules
| Feature | Adult Applicant | Child Applicant (<18) |
| Who Applies? | The traveler themselves. | Parent or Legal Guardian. |
| Email Address | Applicant’s own email. | Parent’s email is accepted. |
| Photo Rules | Strict neutral expression. | Relaxed rules for under 6s. |
| Facial Scan | Required. | Required (can be tricky with babies). |
| Legal Declaration | “I am the applicant.” | “I am applying on behalf of…” |
Step-by-Step: How to Submit a Child’s Application
You can apply for your child using our official UK ETA website. As a parent, you will act as the “proxy” for the application.
1. Choose “Apply for Someone Else”
When you start the application, the system will ask if the application is for you. Select “No, I am applying for someone else.” This signals to the system that you are the representative. You will then enter the child’s details as the “Applicant” and your details as the “Contact.”
2. Scanning the Passport and Face
This is often the hardest part with active children.
- The Passport: Locate the chip on your child’s passport (usually the back cover). Place the phone directly on it to read the biometric data.
- The Face Scan: If you are using the app, you must scan the child’s face. Ensure the lighting is even. If the child is crying or moving too much, the app may time out. In these cases, applying through a simplified web form like uketa.com.my can be easier, as you simply upload a static photo rather than performing a live scan.
3. Answering Eligibility Questions
You will answer background questions on behalf of your child. Questions about employment can obviously be skipped or marked as “student/child.” You will then make a legal declaration that the information is true to the best of your knowledge.
Cost, Validity, and Processing Time
How much does it cost?
The UK ETA fee is £26 per applicant, regardless of age. There is no discount for babies. If you use a professional service to check your application for errors, a service fee will apply on top of this.
How long is it valid?
A child’s UK ETA is valid for 2 years or until their passport expires, whichever comes first.
- Warning: Children’s passports often have shorter validity periods (e.g., 5 years) than adults. Check the expiry date. If their passport expires in 6 months, their ETA will also expire in 6 months.
Common Mistakes Parents Make
Avoid these errors to prevent travel delays:
- Linking to the Wrong Passport: If your child has dual nationality or renewed their passport recently, ensure the ETA is linked to the passport they will physically travel with.
- Blurry Photos: A blurry photo is the #1 reason for delays. Ensure the camera lens is clean.
- Group Payment Confusion: You cannot pay for the whole family in one “basket” transaction on the official site. Each application is paid individually.
Why Use https://UKETA.com.my for Family Applications?
Handling multiple applications for a family of four or five can be tedious. One typo in a passport number can ruin the trip.
At uketa.com.my, we specialize in assisting Malaysian families.
- Unified Support: We help manage multiple applications so you don’t lose track.
- Photo Review: We check your child’s photo before submission to ensure it meets strict UKVI standards.
- Peace of Mind: Our team reviews data for common errors, reducing the risk of rejection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use my email address for my child’s UK ETA?
Yes, you can use the parent’s email address.
Since children rarely have their own active email accounts, the UKVI allows the parent or guardian to use their own email for correspondence. All approval notifications for the child will be sent to your inbox.
Does a baby need a facial scan for the UK ETA?
Yes, a facial image is mandatory for all ages.
However, you do not need to force a baby to look at a camera for a “live scan” if it is too difficult. You can upload a high-quality digital photo instead. The background must be pale and plain (white or light grey).
What happens if my child’s ETA is rejected?
You must apply for a Standard Visitor Visa instead.
If an ETA is denied, you cannot appeal the decision. You will need to apply for a full visa, which is more expensive and takes longer. This is why ensuring the application is error-free the first time is critical.
Can I apply for the whole family at once?
No, each person needs a separate application.
While you can submit them one after another, there is no “family group” button that submits everyone simultaneously. You must repeat the process for every child.
Ready to secure your family’s travel plans? don’t let paperwork delay your holiday. Apply for your children’s UK ETA today at uketa.com.my.
