In a shift that caught many travelers off guard, Canadians planning UK trips will soon face new entry requirements that mirror changes already affecting several international visitors. Starting in early 2025, Canadian passport holders must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before entering the United Kingdom, marking the end of decades of relatively frictionless travel between the two Commonwealth nations.
The announcement, made last week by the UK Home Office, extends their new border system to several countries previously exempt from formal pre-authorization. For Canadians accustomed to simply presenting their passport at Heathrow or Gatwick, this adds another pre-travel step – and a £10 (approximately $17 CAD) fee for the privilege.
“This is part of our ongoing border transformation program,” explained UK Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick in a press statement. “The ETA system strengthens our security screening while providing a streamlined digital experience for legitimate travelers.”
The program’s rollout has been incremental. Qatar became the first testing ground in November 2023, followed by Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates in February 2024. Now Canadians join travelers from Australia, New Zealand, and several other nations in the next implementation phase.
According to travel industry analyst Maria Chen from the Canadian Travel Association, roughly 900,000 Canadians visit the UK annually. “The actual process shouldn’t be onerous for most travelers,” Chen told me during a phone interview. “But it’s certainly the end of an era when Commonwealth connections meant fewer barriers between these nations.”
The ETA application will require personal information, passport details, and security questions, taking roughly 10 minutes to complete online or via mobile app. Once approved, the authorization remains valid for two years or until passport expiration, whichever comes first.
For frequent business travelers like Jamal Kheir, a Toronto-based consultant who makes quarterly trips to London, the change represents another layer of preparation. “It’s not about the fee as much as remembering another step in an already complex travel process,” Kheir said. “My worry is what happens when someone forgets or has technical issues right before a critical business trip.”
Indeed, the UK government has been clear: no ETA means no boarding. Airlines will be responsible for verification before departure, potentially leaving unprepared travelers stranded at Canadian airports.
Transport Canada spokesperson Louise Martin confirmed they’re working with Canadian air carriers to ensure smooth implementation. “We understand this represents a change for Canadian travelers,” Martin said. “We’re coordinating with major airlines to update their pre-boarding notification systems well before the requirement takes effect.”
The policy shift reflects broader global trends toward digitized border management. The European Union’s similar ETIAS system launches in 2025, requiring Canadians to register before entering Schengen Area countries. Meanwhile, Canada itself requires eTAs from many international visitors, including British citizens since 2016.
“There’s a certain irony here,” noted Dr. James Robertson, professor of international relations at Carleton University. “Canada implemented very similar requirements for Brits several years ago. What we’re seeing is reciprocity in border control modernization.”
For tourism operators specializing in UK travel, the announcement has prompted customer education campaigns. “We’re already updating all our booking confirmations to include ETA reminders,” explained Diane Leclair, owner of Empire Travel Agency in Ottawa. “The £10 fee isn’t substantial, but forgetting could ruin someone’s vacation plans entirely.”
The policy change comes amid the UK’s post-Brexit border control restructuring. British officials describe the ETA system as making entry “more secure and seamless” through advance screening that reduces processing time at ports of entry.
However, some travel advocacy groups question the expanding web of pre-authorization systems worldwide. “We’re trending toward a global environment where spontaneous international travel becomes nearly impossible,” said Victor Gomez of the International Travelers’ Rights Association. “Each individual requirement seems reasonable, but collectively they create significant barriers.”
The UK Home Office has promised a public information campaign targeting Canadian travelers in the months before implementation. Their website will feature step-by-step application guides and troubleshooting resources.
For everyday Canadian travelers planning UK vacations, the message is straightforward: factor in application time and the modest fee. Most approvals should process within 72 hours, though officials recommend applying at least a week before departure.
As border requirements evolve globally, the days of simply grabbing your passport and heading to the airport continue to fade. For Canadians and Britons alike – nations with deeply intertwined histories and communities – the new normal includes more digital paperwork and advance planning, even when visiting old friends.
