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CANADIAN PASSPORT HOLDERS NOW REQUIRE AN ETA TO TRAVEL TO THE UK

Immigration law

29 Jan

Starting January 8, 2025, Canadian citizens will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to visit or pass through the UK.

Previously, Canadian passport holders could waltz into the UK for up to six months without asking for permission - just pack your bags and go! But now, if you're heading to the UK for a short visit (tourism, catching up with friends and family, studying, or even business), you’ll need to get that shiny new eTA first. Don’t worry, it's still under six months, so the UK isn’t asking for a lifetime commitment... just a little paperwork!

Yep, it's one more hoop to jump through! The UK has rolled out this new rule as part of their updated entry regulations, and it’s not just for Canadians—folks from the US, Australia, and other non-European countries are now on the same "eTA" train. Bon voyage, and don’t forget to click that box!

An eTA lets you visit the UK for up to 6 months, but whether you can apply depends on the date of your travel and your nationality as indicated in your passport.

You don’t need an eTA if any of the following apply to you:

  • You already have a visa
  • You’re authorized to live, work, or study in the UK (including settled or pre-settled status or right of abode)
  • You’re a British or Irish citizen
  • You're traveling with a British overseas territories citizen passport
  • You live in Ireland and are traveling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man.

You can apply for the eTA online through the UK government's website or the UK eTA app, and the process takes about ten minutes. During the application, you may be required to upload a photo of your passport and a facial photo of the applicant. There is a non-refundable application fee of £10 (approximately CAD $17.50).

The eTA requirement applies to everyone, including babies and children-so yes, even your little one needs their own travel pass. If you're traveling as a group, remember that each person, regardless of age, needs their own eTA. You can apply for someone else (because who doesn't love doing paperwork for others?), but if they’re not with you, you’ll need to apply online.

To get started, make sure you have your passport, access to email, and a payment method-whether it’s a credit card, debit card, or your trusty Apple Pay or Google Pay. It’s easier than packing your suitcase, we promise….

You can travel to the UK as many times as you like within the two-year period, with each visit allowing you to stay for up to six months. If you wish to stay longer than six months on a single visit, you'll need to apply for a visa.

According to the UK government website, you can expect a decision on your eTA application within three working days. Once approved, you'll receive an email confirmation, which will be linked to the passport you used for the application (so be sure to travel with that same passport). If you're planning to travel soon, remember to apply for the eTA before your trip, although you can still travel to the UK while your application is being processed.

Getting an eTA doesn’t mean you’re automatically in - think of it more like a VIP pass to the front door, but you still need to charm the bouncers. Once you arrive in the UK, you’ll either need to meet with a Border Force officer or, if you’re eligible, breeze through an ePassport gate. So, don’t pack away your passport just yet, there’s still a little more to do before you can start your adventure.

Canadian passport holders will need to complete an online ETIAS application to visit 30 countries in the Schengen Area, such as France, Italy, Germany, and Spain. Right now, Canadian passport holders only need a valid passport to enter these countries for stays of up to 90 days.

The European Commission had planned to launch an Entry Exit System (EES) before the 2025 ETIAS rollout, but delays in the EES have pushed back the ETIAS launch. As a result, Canadians can currently enter European Union member states and Schengen-associated countries without needing an ETIAS.

Whether you are travelling or settling – Look for the best? Call RRM Law today.", a Brampton immigration lawyer in Brampton, can assist you regardless of the changes by providing expert guidance on eligibility requirements, preparing and submitting your application, and ensuring all necessary documents are accurate and complete.

In addition to immigration services, RRM Law offers support in other legal areas, such as criminal defense attorney, real estate lawyer, and family law attorney. They can represent you in communications with the government and help you navigate the application process, including the next steps toward applying for permanent residence with the Canadian federal government.

Contact us today for personalized advice.