Everything You Need to Know about U.K. Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for Canadian and U.S. Citizens

Iconic view of London's Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, with the River Thames and Westminster Bridge bustling with iconic red double-decker buses.

We want to ensure you have all the information you need for your upcoming travels to the United Kingdom. Starting January 8, 2025, Canadian and U.S. citizens must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before travelling to or through the UK. For our friends in the European Union (EU), this requirement will take effect on April 2, 2025. We understand that travel plans can be complex, so applying for your ETA online at least three days before your departure is important. The application fee is £10 GBP per person, and once you're approved, your eTA will be valid for two years — giving you peace of mind for your adventures.

Once obtained, the ETA is digitally linked to a traveller's passport and is valid for two years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. Parents can also apply for an ETA for infants and children.

Here are some key dates to keep in mind:

November 27, 2024: Canadian and U.S. citizens can begin applying for an ETA online for travel starting January 8, 2025.

January 5, 2025: EU citizens can start applying for their ETA online for travel beginning April 2, 2025.

We encourage you to visit the U.K. government website for the most accurate and updated information on when you can apply based on your country of residence.

Layovers and transiting through a UK airport

Passing through a UK airport while travelling to another country is called ‘transiting’. Some travellers call it a ‘layover’.

There are 2 types of transiting:

• ‘airside’ - you do not pass through UK border control before you leave on your connecting journey

• ‘landside’ - you do pass through UK border control but come back through it and leave the UK within a short amount of time (usually 24 hours)

Find out if you need a UK visa [gov.uk] for your layover.

 We hope this helps you plan your travels smoothly. We’re here to support you every step of the way. Safe journeys!