Roberta Aguirre
If you're planning to travel to a country that requires an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), it's important to understand the application process and any restrictions. An eTA is an entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to certain countries, such as Canada and the UK, and it is electronically linked to the traveller's passport. While applying for an eTA, it's essential to consider whether you are eligible for one, as it depends on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. In most cases, applications must be submitted online or through a dedicated app, and it is recommended to do so before booking your flight. Unfortunately, applying for an eTA at the airport is typically not an option, so travellers are advised to plan ahead and ensure they have the proper documentation before their trip.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Countries with ETA requirement | Canada, UK |
| ETA application methods | Online, mobile app |
| ETA application fee | Canada: CAN$7; UK: £16 or £10 (approximately $12) |
| ETA validity | Canada: 5 years or until passport expiry; UK: 2 years or until passport expiry |
| ETA application locations | Not available at the airport |
| ETA application timing | Before travel; not available on the day of travel |
| ETA application requirements | Valid passport, credit/debit card, email address |
| ETA application processing time | Canada: N/A; UK: Typically within 3 working days or less |
| ETA guarantee of entry | Does not guarantee entry |
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What You'll Learn
ETA availability and requirements for UK and Canadian travel
An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital registration that allows foreign nationals to travel to a country for tourism, to visit family, or for other reasons. Both the UK and Canada have implemented ETA programmes, and the requirements and application processes differ between the two countries.
UK ETA Availability and Requirements
The UK ETA is available to citizens from 48 non-European countries, including the USA, Canada, and Australia. It is mandatory for citizens of these countries to obtain an ETA before travelling to the UK. Each traveller must have their own ETA, including babies and children. An ETA costs £16 and is valid for two years or until the linked passport expires, whichever comes first. It allows multiple entries into the UK for visits of up to six months. While an ETA gives permission to travel to the UK, it does not guarantee entry.
To apply for a UK ETA, individuals must complete an online application or use the UK ETA app. The application process typically takes about 10 minutes and requires answering questions, submitting a photo, and providing a photo of the passport. Applicants usually receive a decision within three working days, but it can sometimes be quicker. It is important to note that the ETA is linked to the passport used during the application, and a new ETA is required if the passport changes during the validity period.
Canadian ETA Availability and Requirements
The Canadian ETA is required for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada by air. This includes citizens from select countries who are normally visa-required but may be eligible for an ETA instead of a visa. Lawful permanent residents of the United States are exempt from the ETA requirement but must carry official proof of their status and a valid passport. The ETA costs CAN$7 and is valid for up to five years or until the linked passport expires. It allows multiple entries into Canada for short stays of up to six months at a time. Similar to the UK, the Canadian ETA does not guarantee entry, and travellers must satisfy border services officers of their eligibility upon arrival.
The application process for the Canadian ETA is entirely online, and there is no facility to apply at the airport. Applicants must have a valid passport, a credit or debit card, and an email address. The ETA is linked to the passport used during the application, and travellers must present this passport when checking in for their flight to Canada. Airline staff will scan the passport to confirm the validity of the ETA, and without it, boarding will not be permitted.
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Applying for an ETA online
The application process requires a valid passport, a credit or debit card, an email address, and completion of a short online form. The form includes a series of questions, and applicants must submit a photo and a photo of their passport. The application fee for Canada is CAN$7, while the UK application fee is £16.
Once approved, the ETA is electronically linked to the applicant's passport and is valid for up to five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. For the UK, the ETA is valid for two years or until the passport expires, whichever is sooner. It is important to note that an ETA does not guarantee entry to Canada or the UK. When arriving at the border, travellers must present their passport and may be asked to provide additional documents.
It is recommended to apply for an ETA before booking a flight to Canada or the UK. The processing time for an ETA application is generally quick, but it may take up to three working days.
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The cost of an ETA
The UK ETA permits multiple journeys to the UK for short stays of up to six months at a time over two years or until the holder’s passport expires, whichever is sooner. It is valid for most applicants, including those from Europe, the USA, Australia, and Canada. However, British and Irish citizens, as well as people with status under the EU Settlement Scheme, do not require an ETA.
The Canadian ETA is valid for up to five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. It is required for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada by air, but not for those arriving by car, bus, train, or boat. Lawful permanent residents of the United States who hold valid status in the US are also exempt from the requirement.
It is important to note that an ETA is not a guarantee of entry into the country. Visitors may still need to meet other requirements, such as presenting a valid passport and convincing border officials of their eligibility for entry.
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ETA exemptions
The following groups are exempt from needing an ETA when visiting the UK:
- UK nationals, including citizens of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
- Residents of British Crown Dependencies: Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man.
- Citizens of British Overseas Territories, such as Gibraltar and Bermuda, must travel to the UK on their British Overseas Territory Citizen passports to be exempt from the UK ETA scheme.
- British Nationals who reside overseas are also exempted from presenting an ETA when visiting the UK, as long as they travel using their BN(O) passports.
- Citizens of Ireland benefit from the Common Travel Area (CTA) agreement, which allows freedom of movement between Ireland and the UK without a visa or ETA. This exemption is valid if they travel to the UK with their Irish passports.
- The UK ETA exemption is extended to non-Irish citizens legally residing in the Republic of Ireland only if they meet all three requirements: they can prove they are legal residents of Ireland; they can visit the UK without a visa; and they are coming to the UK via the CTA, including Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man.
- Dual citizens who have a British or Irish passport are exempt from the ETA scheme if they travel to the UK using those passports.
- Travelers without a British or Irish passport but who have the right of abode in the UK can provide evidence of this with a certificate of entitlement.
In Canada, the following groups are exempt from needing an ETA:
- U.S. citizens are exempt from the eTA requirement and must carry proper identification such as a valid U.S. passport.
- Lawful permanent residents of the United States are also exempt from the eTA requirement and must show these documents for all methods of travel to Canada: a valid passport from their country of nationality (or equivalent acceptable travel document) and a valid green card (or equivalent valid proof of status in the United States).
- Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, need a valid Canadian passport.
- American-Canadians can travel with a valid Canadian or U.S. passport.
- Canadian permanent residents need a valid permanent resident card or permanent resident travel document.
- Visa-exempt foreign nationals do not need an eTA when arriving by car, bus, train, or boat (including a cruise ship).
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The documents required for an ETA
To apply for an ETA, you must have a valid passport. The ETA will be linked to the passport you use to apply, so you must present this passport when you check in for your flight. If you get a new passport, you will need to get a new ETA.
For the UK, you can apply for an ETA through the UK ETA app or the GOV.UK website. The application costs £16 and can be paid via Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. You will need an email address and a credit or debit card. You will also need to answer a few questions in the online application.
For Canada, the ETA application costs CAN$7 and can be paid for with a credit card. You will need a valid passport and an email address.
Please note that an ETA does not guarantee entry to the UK or Canada. When you arrive, a border services officer will ask to see your passport and other documents. You must convince the officer that you are eligible for entry.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you cannot apply for an ETA at the airport. You need to apply online before you travel.
You can apply for an ETA online or through a mobile app. You will need a valid passport, a credit or debit card, and an email address. You will also need to answer a few questions and may need to submit a photo.
You will usually get a decision within 3 working days, but it may be much quicker.
The cost varies depending on the country. For the UK, it costs £16, while for Canada, it is CAN$7.
