What is an eta for the UK for Canadian Citizens?

The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital travel permit and is a new requirement for Canadian citizens who are planning to visit or transit through the United Kingdom. As a Canadian citizen, you’ve long enjoyed the privilege of traveling to the UK visa-free. However, starting January 8, 2025; you must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter the UK. This new UK entry requirement for Canadian citizens aims to enhance border security and streamline the entry process for visitors. While it introduces an additional step in your travel preparations, the UK ETA system promises to be quick and straightforward.

According to the latest Electronic Visa news, The UK ETA replaced the UK visa waiver scheme when it was first introduced to Qatari citizens back in October 2023 and for a maximum stay of 6 months. It is much easier than having to apply for a UK visa from Canada. In other words, it is kind of a UK Visa free of paper documents; everything can be done and linked digitally. This pre-authorization will be mandatory for short stays, tourism, business, or transit purposes. Canadians can apply for the UK ETA starting on November 28, 2024, to travel to the UK from January 8, 2025. On this page, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the UK ETA for Canadian citizens, including how to apply for an ETA, the costs involved, and what to expect during your trip to the United Kingdom.

The UK ETA allows for short stays in the UK for the following purposes;

  • Coming to the UK for up to 6 months, for tourism, visiting family and friends, business, or short-term study.
  • Coming to the UK for up to 3 months on the Creative Worker visa concession.
  • Coming to the UK for a permitted paid engagement.
  • Transiting through the UK – including if you’re not going through UK border control.

Statistics on Canadian Visitors to the United Kingdom

In 2023, Canadian travelers took a total of 37.2 million trips abroad, spending a combined US$38.3 billion on international tourism. That same year, the UK saw a record 1.0 million visits from Canada. These visitors contributed a record £969.6 million to the UK economy, with an average expenditure of £966 per visit.

Advantages of the ETA for the UK from Canada

The UK Electronic Travel Authorization offers several benefits for Canadian tourists and other travelers. According to the UK Government, it allows multiple entries for tourism, business, or short-term study over a validity period of two years. It also eliminates the need for a UK visitor visa from Canada for stays of up to six months, offering flexibility for frequent visitors. This new system enhances border security while simplifying travel for eligible nationals. Here are some of the advantages of the UK ETA:

Quick and Easy Application

The ETA application is entirely online and takes just minutes to complete. Canadian travelers can apply from anywhere without visiting a consulate or embassy.

Quick Processing Time

The processing time for UK ETA applications is within 3 days, but most of them are processed within a few hours, reducing the waiting time compared to traditional visa applications.

Lower Application Fees

The UK ETA is typically more affordable than applying for a traditional visitor visa, making it a budget-friendly option for travelers.

UK ETA Eligibility Criteria for Canadian Citizens

Canadian citizens will need to meet specific eligibility criteria to obtain a UK ETA for travel on or after January 8, 2025. These include:

  • Nationality You must be a Canadian citizen holding a valid Canadian passport. The UK ETA is available only to citizens of eligible visa-exempt countries, including Canada.

Purpose of Visit

  • Short-Term Visits The UK ETA is intended for short visits (up to 6 months) for purposes such as:
    • Tourism (vacation, sightseeing)
    • Business (meetings, conferences, or events)
    • Transit (passing through the UK on the way to another country)
  • Passport Validity You must hold a valid Canadian passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining from your intended date of entry into the UK.
  • Travel DurationThe ETA is meant for stays of up to 6 months. If you plan to stay longer, you will need to apply for the appropriate visa.

It’s crucial to note that the ETA doesn’t replace visas for work, study, or marriage purposes. Failure to obtain an ETA may result in denied boarding or entry to the UK.

UK ETA Application Process

Here are the steps to apply for the UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA):

1

Fill Out The Online Application Form

You will need to provide information such as your personal details, such as your full name, date of birth, and your phone number. You will also need to provide details such as your passport number, address, job, criminal history, and other nationalities (if you have any).

2

Attach The Required Documents

Upload a color copy of your passport and ensure that all four corners of the bio page are visible.
You will also need to upload a personal photo that adheres to specific provided guidelines.

3

Pay The ETA Application Fee

To submit your application, you will need to pay the application fee using a valid credit or debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.

4

Receive Your ETA

Wait for the email notification of your ETA decision. If approved, the ETA will be electronically linked to your passport. You will usually receive the approval notification within 72 hours.

Requirements for the UK ETA Application

Valid Passport

A current passport with at least six months of validity from the date of entry is required. You will need to upload a clear copy of your passport.

Valid Passport

Recent Personal photo

You will need to upload a recent photograph of yourself, ensuring that it meets the guidelines provided on the application page.

Recent Personal photo

Travel Details

Information on the intended date of arrival to the UK.

Travel Details

Valid Email Address

A valid email address to receive the ETA decision and any updates on the application status.

Valid Email Address

Security Screening

Applicants may need to answer questions regarding their criminal history, and security-related matters.

Security Screening

Payment Method

You will need a valid payment method to pay the application fee, generally paid via a credit or debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.

Payment Method

UK ETA Fees and Processing Time

The ETA decision can usually be obtained within 3 working days but many applicants may receive a decision within a few hours. The UK ETA fee is £78, including both the government and our professional service fees.

UK ETA Validity and Duration of Stay

The UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) offers flexibility for Canadian travelers. Once granted, an ETA remains valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. This authorization allows for multiple entries to the UK during its validity period. However, it’s crucial to note that each visit is limited to a maximum stay of 6 months. Remember, you must use the passport you used in your ETA application when traveling to the UK from Canada.

UK ETA: Renewal and Extension Options

The UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is valid for up to two years or until the holder’s passport expires and allows multiple entries during this period, but it cannot be extended once you are in the UK. If your ETA expires, you can reapply for a new ETA by submitting a new application online, which will be valid for another two years. However, if you need to stay in the UK for longer than 6 months or your circumstances change, you must apply for a different type of visa.

UK ETA Refusals: Common Reasons and Solutions

If your UK ETA application is denied, common reasons include submitting incorrect or incomplete information, using an invalid or damaged passport, or providing unclear details. Other reasons may involve a criminal record, prior immigration violations, or not meeting the requirements for a short visit (e.g., working or studying in the UK requires a visa). A lack of supporting documentation or multiple conflicting applications can also lead to refusal. To resolve a refusal, review the specific reason provided by the UK government, and ensure your details are correct. After addressing the issues that led to the refusal, you can reapply for a new ETA. Alternatively, you can apply for an appropriate visa if necessary. Consider seeking legal advice if you have concerns about eligibility or potential refusals.

Traveling with a UK ETA: Important Details

Connection Between The UK ETA and Your Passport

  • Link to Passport The UK ETA is electronically linked to the passport you used for your application. This means that the ETA is tied directly to that specific passport and cannot be transferred to another passport.
  • Multiple PassportsIf you hold multiple passports (e.g., a Canadian passport and a passport from another country), you must travel with the passport you used to apply for the UK ETA.
  • Importantyou plan to travel with a different passport from the one you used to apply for the ETA, you will need to apply for a new ETA with that passport.

Travel and Entry Process with a UK ETA

  • Pre-Departure Travellers must check their travel documents and ETA status before departing and ensure that they are traveling with the passport linked to their approved UK ETA.

Arrival in the UK

  • Border Control At the UK border control, travelers need to present their passports. Immigration officers will check their ETA electronically via a system linked to the passports.
  • Important Checks Immigration officers will ask questions about your stay (e.g., length of stay, purpose of visit). Be prepared to show supporting documentation (e.g., return ticket, proof of accommodation, or proof of sufficient funds).
  • Entry Decision While the ETA confirms eligibility to travel, the final decision on entry is made by the border officer. Entry is not guaranteed even with an approved ETA.
  • Duration of Stay As a Canadian citizen with an approved UK ETA, you can stay in the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, business, or transit purposes.

FAQ

Yes, Canadian citizens will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter the UK starting from January 8, 2025. The ETA will be mandatory for travelers from visa-exempt countries, including Canada, and must be obtained before traveling.

Yes, Canadians can enter the UK with a valid Canadian passport. However, from January 8, 2025, they will also need to secure an ETA before their trip to ensure entry.

Generally, Canadians visiting the UK for short stays (up to six months) for tourism, family visits, or business purposes do not need a UK visa, but they will require an ETA from January 8, 2025, onwards. For longer stays or specific activities like work, study, or certain family visas, an appropriate visa will be necessary.

No, the UK ETA is for travel to the United Kingdom, while the ETIAS is for travel to the Schengen Area (EU countries). They are different systems for different regions.