Blog Details

Mon Jan

Canadian citizens now required to obtain eTA when entering the UK

As of January 8, 2025, Canadian citizens are required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before entering or transiting through the United Kingdom. This new regulation, part of the UK’s updated entry protocols, aligns with similar policies implemented by other nations, including the United States and Australia. Previously, Canadian passport holders enjoyed visa-free access to the UK for short-term stays of up to six months, making this change a significant shift in travel requirements.

The eTA is now mandatory for Canadian travellers visiting the UK for purposes such as tourism, visiting family, business meetings, or short-term study, provided their stay is under six months. The introduction of this system aims to enhance border security and streamline entry procedures for non-European visitors.

Exemptions to the eTA requirement

Certain travellers are exempt from the eTA requirement, including those who:

● Are British or Irish citizens.

● Hold a UK visa.

● Have permission to live, work, or study in the UK, such as those with settled or pre-settled status or the right of abode.

● Possess a British Overseas Territories citizen passport.

● Reside in Ireland and are travelling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man.

Application process for the eTA

Applying for an eTA is a straightforward process that can be completed online or through the UK’s dedicated eTA mobile app. The application typically takes about ten minutes and requires the following:

● A valid passport.

● A photograph of the applicant's face (uploaded or taken during the application).

● Payment of a non-refundable fee, currently set at £10 (approximately CAD $17.50).

● Applicants will also need access to email and a method of payment, such as a credit card, debit card, or Apple Pay.

Processing time and validity

Most eTA applications are processed within three business days, with the decision delivered via email. Once approved, the eTA is electronically linked to the applicant's passport and remains valid for two years or until the passport expires—whichever comes first.

During the two-year validity period, travelers can visit the UK multiple times, staying up to six months per visit. However, the eTA cannot be used for long-term stays, employment, or to claim public funds. Travelers should note that obtaining an eTA does not guarantee entry into the UK; final approval is determined by a Border Force officer or ePassport gate upon arrival.

Comparisons with other systems

The UK’s eTA requirement mirrors similar systems in place worldwide, such as the United States’ ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) and Australia's eVisitor visa. These systems are designed to pre-screen travellers, enhancing national security while simplifying border processes.

European Union’s ETIAS

The UK’s eTA policy also aligns with the European Union’s forthcoming European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), set to launch in 2025. Once implemented, ETIAS will require Canadian passport holders to obtain authorization before travelling to any of the 30 countries within the Schengen Area for short stays.

Currently, Canadians can enter these countries with just a valid passport, but the introduction of ETIAS will further standardize travel requirements across Europe. This trend signifies a broader global shift toward pre-authorization systems for international travel.

Canadian Passport: A Global Perspective

Despite these new requirements, the Canadian passport remains one of the most powerful travel documents globally. In 2025, it ranked seventh on the Henley Passport Index, which assesses passports based on the number of destinations their holders can visit without a visa.

This high ranking highlights the extensive travel privileges Canadian citizens enjoy, even as new requirements like the UK’s eTA are introduced. It also emphasizes the importance of staying informed about evolving travel regulations to maintain seamless mobility.

If you are looking to Study, Work, Visit or Migrate to Canada, talk to I Can Help Immigration Services, at

+1 778 239 7861 or +1 647 453 7660 with RCIC # R413239, Canada’s No.1 Immigration & Visa Company to get the best help you need.