New ETA Requirement: Canadians travelling to the UK

There is now a new mandatory Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement for anyone wishing to travel from Canada to the United Kingdom (UK). All Canadians travelling to the UK, including babies and children, must apply for a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) prior to entering or transiting through the country starting of January 8, 2025.

What Is an ETA and Who Needs It?

All Canadians must apply for the United Kingdom (UK) ETA, a required travel authorisation, prior to visiting the UK. You and the people you are travelling with, including infants and children, must have a valid ETA whether you are flying for business, pleasure, or simply to pass through the nation on your way to another location.

Make sure you double-check your travel dates before submitting, as the £10 (about $18 CAD) application fee is non-refundable once it is submitted.

Applying for an ETA: Documents

Passport: make sure it is the physical passport which you will be traveling with (photocopies or digital versions of the passport are not permitted).

Access to email: You’ll need it to confirm your application.

Payment method: A credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay will work.

To apply for an ETA, visit the UK Government website and apply under the “Apply for an ETA” section.

Note: You must upload or take a picture of the page in your passport that contains your personal information and a recent photo of your face when you apply.

You must travel with the same valid passport that you used to apply for your ETA, but you are not obliged to include comprehensive trip information when you apply. To prevent any last-minute problems or delays, it is crucial to apply for a UK ETA well in advance of your trip, even if the processing time is approximately three working days.

Proof of funds & return ticket

Proof that you have adequate cash for your stay and a return ticket may be requested by border officials. You may be refused entrance if you are unable to prove this or if the authorities have reason to believe that you want to reside or work in the UK.

Documents indicating work or long-term stay

Having documents like a resume or certifications could lead officials to believe you intend to work or remain for a long time, which could lead to your entrance being denied.

Travelling Through the UK

You must still apply for an ETA and fulfil the entrance requirements of your destination if you are passing through the UK on your way to another nation. You can be refused boarding or have to wait a long time to arrange your flight if you don’t match these standards.

All Canadian visitors are subject to the new ETA requirement, so it’s crucial to file for an ETA well in advance to prevent any delays or denial of entrance. Get in touch with us right now to find out if you fulfil all UK entrance and ETA requirements.

The implementation of these dates has not yet been finalised, so be sure to subscribe to our newsletter to learn more as soon as this new travel ETA is established. This ETA will also be applied to Canadians travelling to Europe.

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