The digital application process, which costs £10 ($18 CAD), applies to non-European visitors – including those from Canada, the United States, and Australia.
Each authorization is valid for multiple trips over two years (or until the traveller’s passport expires) for stays of up to six months at a time.
Eligible visitors can apply for their ETA through the U.K. ETA app. Most applicants will get confirmation within three business days, although it may take longer if you have incomplete information or further checks are needed.
You do not need an ETA if you have a UK visa, have permission to live, work or study in the U.K. or are a British, Irish or dual citizen (see the exceptions here).
"A modern immigration system"
While some may refer to this as a visa, it's actually a visa waiver. Travellers whose citizenship means they need a visa to enter the U.K. will still need to apply for a visa (but they won’t need to get the ETA as an additional item).
Why was the ETA introduced? Countries work on reciprocity when it comes to immigration, and when the U.S. introduced its ESTA visa waiver in 2009, it was expected that other countries would introduce similar requirements.
Seema Malhotra, the U.K.’s minister for migration and citizenship, has said the ETA “demonstrates our commitment to enhance security through new technology and embedding a modern immigration system.”
To learn more about the U.K.’s Electronic Travel Authorization, click here.
ETIAS coming soon
The European Commission, meanwhile, plans to launch its own electronic authorization called the European Travel Information and Authorization System (or ETIAS).
This online registration process aims to enhance border security for low-risk visitors (it is not a visa either, but an additional security measure).
ETIAS is expected to go into effect sometime this year for travellers from dozens of visa-exempt countries, including Canada. The fee will cost €7 (around $10.50 CAD).