ETA Eligibility After a Visitor Visa Refusal: What Happens if Entry Clearance Is Later Granted?
With the expansion of the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, many travellers are now required to apply for an ETA. However, the Home Office rules contain important restrictions: certain past immigration decisions can make an individual ineligible for an ETA, even if their nationality or passport type would otherwise qualify.
One of the most common questions that arises is whether a previous refusal under the Visitor route permanently prevents someone from obtaining an ETA or if the restriction can be cleared.
Home Office Rules on Prior Visitor Refusals
The ETA caseworker guidance sets out specific circumstances in which an ETA must be refused.
According to the guidance:
An ETA application must be refused if the applicant has previously been refused entry clearance, permission to enter, or permission to stay under Appendix V: Visitor, unless the Home Office holds a record that:
- the applicant later held valid ETA, entry clearance, or permission to enter/stay that was not cancelled as a result of the refusal, or
- the applicant was subsequently granted a valid ETA, entry clearance, or permission to enter/stay with full knowledge of that refusal.
This means that an earlier refusal under Appendix V triggers an automatic bar to ETA approval unless it has been superseded by a later grant of leave.
Does Being Granted Entry Clearance Remove the Bar?
Yes, if someone is later granted entry clearance as a Visitor and the Home Office is aware of the prior refusal at the time of issuing that leave, the restriction should be lifted.
This is because the rules explicitly state that subsequent valid permission, granted with knowledge of the refusal, restores ETA eligibility.
In practical terms:
- A previous refusal under Appendix V will initially make ETA approval impossible.
- A later grant of entry clearance (or permission to enter/stay) issued with awareness of the refusal resolves the issue.
- Once such permission is granted, the individual should be able to apply for an ETA in the future.
Important Distinction: Non-Visitor Refusals
The guidance also makes clear that:
Refusals under immigration routes other than Appendix V: Visitor should not be used as a basis for refusing an ETA.
