Starting January 8, 2025, the United Kingdom will require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for visa-exempt visitors from non-EU countries, including Canada and the US, for casual visits and transit.
The move aligns the UK with global practices like the US ESTA and Canada’s eTA, enhancing border security while simplifying the entry process.
ETA Applications for Canadians opened on November 27, 2024, and if approved, it’s valid for up to two years.
Here’s everything you need to know about the UK ETA, its requirements, and how to prepare for the change.
What Is the UK ETA?
The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital visa waiver that allows eligible travellers to visit the UK for short stays without applying for a traditional visa. By requiring an ETA, the UK government aims to:
- Modernize border security by pre-screening travellers.
- Reduce risks associated with undocumented arrivals.
- Streamline entry processes for legitimate visitors.
This system mirrors global trends where countries adopt electronic authorizations to enhance security and improve travel efficiency.
Canada and the US have had similar ETA requirements for most visa-exempt visitors in place for a while, and the EU will be coming up with a similar scheme in mid-2025 called ETIAS.
Who Needs a UK ETA?
The ETA is mandatory for travellers from 48 visa-exempt countries, including Canada, US, Australia, and members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
Key points include:
- Implementation Phases:
- January 8, 2025: Non-EU countries, including Canada and the U.S.
- April 2, 2025: EU citizens.
- Residents exempt: Citizens already residing in the UK do not need an ETA
- Individual Requirement: Each traveller, including children and infants, must have an ETA.
- Transit Travellers: An ETA is required even for short layovers or transits through UK airports.
- Short Visits Only: Covers stays of up to six months for tourism, business, short-term study, or permitted paid engagements.
For long-term visits, work permits, or study visas, you must apply through traditional visa processes.
What Can You Do with the UK ETA?
With a UK ETA, you can do the following:
- Visit the UK for up to six months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business, or short-term study
- Work under a Creative Working Visa or for permitted paid engagements
- Transit in the UK, including if you’re not passing through passport control
You’ll need a visa or another entry document for longer stays or for stays involving any other purpose than the above.
While needing an ETA for actual visits is obvious, what needs to be emphasized for us travel enthusiasts is that you’ll also need an ETA for transit within a UK airport, even those not requiring you to pass through immigration. This means that you’ll need an ETA even if you’re transiting through the UK on one continuous ticket.
To illustrate, say you booked an Aeroplan ticket from Toronto to London on Air Canada with an onward connection to Frankfurt on Lufthansa after a few hours of transit time in the London airport.
While your bags will likely be through-checked to Frankfurt, and you won’t need to pass through passport control in London, beginning in January 8, 2025, Air Canada will ask for your UK ETA in Toronto in order for you to check-in and board your flight.
How to Apply for the UK ETA
Applications for the UK ETA opened on November 27, 2024, ahead of the mandatory requirement starting January 8, 2025. The process is simple and entirely online via the official UK government website or mobile app, but the app is recommended since you’ll need a camera during the application process.
You’ll need to allot at least 20 minutes for the application, and it has to be done in one go as the application doesn’t allow you to save it and come back later to continue.
Once you’ve initiated the process, you’ll be asked for a photo of yourself and of your passport, so ensure good lighting and that your passport photo is legible and free of glare.
You’ll then be asked about information about yourself, and then finally, you’ll need to pay the application fee of £10.
UK ETA Timeline, Cost, and Validity
According to the UK Government, ETA approvals should take three working days or less, though they note that they can take longer if required.
Still, you should be applying well ahead of time to avoid last-minute troubles. Again, you won’t be able to board a flight to the UK without one, even if you’re only connecting at an airport within the country.
Once approved, the UK ETA will be valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. If your passport is renewed during the ETA’s validity period, you must reapply.
You’re also allowed to enter unlimited times within the validity period.
Conclusion
The UK’s ETA system, effective January 8, 2025, marks a major shift in travel requirements for visitors. This cost-effective and straightforward system enhances security while maintaining convenience for legitimate travellers.
Although the ETA introduces an extra step, applying early and staying informed will ensure a smooth journey to the UK in 2025 and beyond. As global travel regulations continue to evolve, understanding new systems like the UK’s ETA and the EU’s ETIAS will be crucial for hassle-free international travel.
Visit the UK government website for more information and for the application itself, and we’ll be sure to also update this article if there are new developments.
