VisitBritain is advising that the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) program will be strictly enforced for visitors to the UK – including Canadians – effective Feb. 25. From that date onward, travellers without an approved ETA will not be permitted to board transportation to the UK or enter the country.
According to a statement from Britain’s Home Office, visitors from 85 nationalities who do not need a visa will not be able to legally travel to the UK without an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
“This is a significant step towards digitizing the immigration system and paves the way for a contactless UK border in the future,” says the statement.
The program was launched in October 2023 and more than 13.3 million visitors have successfully applied. However, while ETA was being rolled out, it was not strictly enforced, to give visitors ample time to adjust to the new requirement.
Enforcing it in full will mean that everyone who now travels to the UK must have digital permission through either the ETA or an eVisa, which will be checked by carriers before passengers travel. That includes passengers in connecting flights that require going through UK passport control.
British minister for Migration and Citizenship, Mike Tapp, said “ETAs are also better for travellers. Digitizing the immigration system ensures the millions of people we welcome to the UK every year enjoy a more seamless travel experience.”
British and Irish citizens, including dual citizens, are exempt from needing an ETA. The UK government strongly advises dual British citizens to make sure they have a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement, to avoid problems like being denied boarding when travelling to the UK.
How to apply
Applying for an ETA is quick and simple through the official UK ETA app; the cost is £16. While most people currently get a decision automatically in minutes, it is recommended to allow three working days to account for the small number of cases that require additional review.
The ETA is valid for two years from date of approval and allows multiple entries of up to six months. It is also linked to the user’s passport, meaning it has to be renewed if the passport is.
Key resources to share
- Specific advice for dual citizens: Electronic travel authorisation (ETA): guide for dual citizens – GOV.UK
- Check if you are a British Citizen: Check if you’re a British citizen: Overview – GOV.UK
- Apply for an ETA: https://www.gov.uk/eta/apply
- All other ETA-related information: https://www.gov.uk/eta
- UKVI webchat for individual enquiries: Electronic travel authorisation (ETA) – Contact UK Visas and Immigration for help – GOV.UK
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