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Canadian passport holders now need an ETA to visit the UK

New Travel Rule for Canadians
Starting January 8, 2025, Canadian citizens now need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter or transit through the United Kingdom (UK). This is part of the UK’s updated entry rules, which also apply to citizens from the US, Australia, and other non-European countries.
Before this change, Canadians with a valid passport could travel to the UK without prior authorization for short stays of up to six months. Now, this requirement applies to all Canadian travelers, whether for tourism, visiting family, business, or study, as long as the stay is under six months.
What You Need to Know About the eTA
Exemptions
There are a few exceptions where you don’t need to apply for an eTA. You are exempt if:
- You already have a UK visa.
- You have permission to live, work, or study in the UK (such as settled or pre-settled status).
- You are a British or Irish citizen.
- You are traveling with a British overseas territories citizen passport.
- You live in Ireland and are traveling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man.
How to Apply
You can apply for the eTA directly online through the UK government’s website or app. The process takes around 10 minutes, and you will need to upload a photo of your passport and a selfie of yourself.
Costs and Payment
The eTA costs £10 (about CAD $17.50). Please note that this fee is non-refundable.
Everyone Needs to Apply
The eTA requirement applies to all travelers, including babies and children. If you’re traveling as a group, each person must apply for their own eTA. You can apply on behalf of someone else, but you’ll need to do it online.
You will need your passport, email access, and a method of payment (credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay) to complete the application.
Processing Time
It typically takes about three days to receive your eTA approval. You will get an email confirmation once your eTA is approved, and it will be linked to the passport you used for the application.
Note: If you’re planning to travel soon, make sure to apply for your eTA before your trip. You can still travel while your application is being processed.
Validity
The eTA is valid for two years, allowing you to visit the UK multiple times during that period. For each visit, you can stay up to six months. If you wish to stay longer, you will need to apply for a visa.
Restrictions on the eTA
While the eTA allows entry, there are restrictions. You cannot:
- Work for a UK company (paid or unpaid) unless you are on a permitted engagement or working under the Creative Worker visa.
- Claim public funds.
- Use the eTA to live in the UK by making frequent visits.
- Get married, register a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage/civil partnership.
Important
Receiving an eTA doesn’t guarantee entry into the UK. You will still need to either:
- Meet with a Border Force officer upon arrival, or
- Use an ePassport gate (if eligible).
Europe’s Potential Shift
This new UK eTA requirement comes after the European Union announced plans to launch the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) for travelers from around 60 countries, including Canada.
Once ETIAS is in place, Canadian passport holders will need to apply online to visit 30 countries in the Schengen Area, such as France, Germany, and Spain. Currently, Canadians can visit these countries without a visa for stays of up to 90 days, but this will change once ETIAS is implemented.
Although the European Commission initially planned to launch ETIAS alongside an Entry Exit System (EES) by 2025, delays have pushed back its rollout. This means that for now, Canadians can still travel to Schengen countries without the ETIAS.
Get in touch with SPS Global
Receive professional advice on any of your questions regarding Canadian immigration. get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Canada. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).
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