UK ETA vs Canada eTA: What Travellers Need to Know

Introduction: Two Electronic Travel Authorisations Compared

The United Kingdom and Canada both use electronic travel authorisation systems to pre-screen visitors before they arrive. The UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) and Canada’s Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) are strikingly similar in concept but differ in several important ways. Understanding these differences is essential for anyone planning to visit one or both countries.

Canada’s eTA was introduced in 2016 and served as one of the early models for electronic pre-screening systems worldwide. The UK ETA, launched in 2025, is newer but draws on lessons learned from the Canadian and other international systems. This guide provides a comprehensive comparison of both programmes, including costs, validity, application processes, and practical advice for travellers.

What Is the UK ETA?

The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation is a mandatory requirement for all visa-exempt nationals visiting the United Kingdom. It was introduced as part of the UK’s broader border security strategy following Brexit. The ETA is not a visa but a digital pre-screening tool that allows authorities to check travellers against security databases before they depart for the UK.

Since April 2025, the ETA has been required for citizens of all visa-exempt countries, including Canadians, Americans, EU nationals, Australians, and many more. Applications are completed through the UK ETA app or the GOV.UK website. For complete details, visit our UK ETA guide.

What Is the Canada eTA?

The Canadian Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) has been in operation since November 2016. It is required for visa-exempt foreign nationals flying to or transiting through Canada. The eTA is one of the most established electronic travel screening systems in the world and processes millions of applications annually.

The Canada eTA applies specifically to air travel. Unlike the UK ETA, it is generally not required for travellers arriving by land or sea from the United States. This distinction is important for the many travellers who cross the US-Canada border by car.

UK ETA vs Canada eTA: Complete Comparison Table

Cost Comparison: A Significant Difference

The most striking difference between the two systems is cost. The Canada eTA costs just C$7, which is approximately £4 or $5 USD. The UK ETA, at £20, is more than four times as expensive. With the planned price increase to £20, this gap could widen further.

For a family of four, the difference becomes even more noticeable. Four Canada eTAs would cost C$28 (about £20), while four UK ETAs cost £64 (rising to £80 after the price increase). When budgeting for international travel, these costs should be factored in alongside flights, accommodation, and other expenses.

Both fees are non-refundable regardless of the outcome of the application. Neither system offers fee waivers for children or elderly applicants.

Validity: Canada Offers More

The Canada eTA has a notably longer validity period of five years, compared to the UK ETA’s two years. Both are subject to the condition that the authorisation expires when your passport expires, whichever comes first. For travellers with passports valid for many years, the Canadian system provides better long-term value.

In practical terms, this means that a Canadian eTA obtained in 2026 could remain valid until 2031, while a UK ETA obtained at the same time would expire in 2028. Frequent travellers to both countries would need to renew their UK ETA more often.

Both systems allow unlimited entries during their validity period. You can travel to the respective country as many times as you wish without reapplying, as long as your authorisation and passport remain valid.

Length of Stay

Both the UK ETA and Canada eTA allow visitors to stay for up to six months per entry. This is one of the most generous allowances among major travel destinations and means that both countries are well-suited for extended visits, whether for tourism, family visits, or business.

In practice, immigration officers at both UK and Canadian borders have the discretion to grant shorter stays if they have concerns about a traveller’s intentions. If an officer believes you may overstay or work without permission, they could stamp your passport with a shorter permitted stay or, in extreme cases, refuse entry altogether.

For more about UK ETA requirements and permitted activities, see our UK ETA requirements guide.

Application Process

Applying for the UK ETA

The UK ETA application requires downloading the official UK ETA app (available on iOS and Android) or visiting the GOV.UK website. The application process includes entering personal details, providing passport information, answering security questions, uploading a biometric facial photograph, and paying £20 by card.

Processing typically takes up to three working days, though many applications are approved within hours. The ETA is digitally linked to your passport, and no printed document is needed. A step-by-step guide is available in our UK ETA application guide.

Applying for the Canada eTA

The Canada eTA application is completed entirely online through the official Government of Canada website. The process is notably simpler and faster than the UK ETA. You provide your personal details, passport information, and answer basic eligibility questions. No photograph upload is required, and the fee of C$7 is paid by card.

Canadian eTA applications are typically processed within minutes, making it one of the fastest travel authorisation systems in the world. Some applications may take several days if additional processing is required, but instant approval is the norm for straightforward cases.

Who Needs Each Authorisation?

UK ETA eligibility

The UK ETA is required for nationals of all visa-exempt countries visiting the United Kingdom. This includes citizens of Canada, the United States, EU member states, Australia, Japan, and many more. British and Irish citizens are exempt. For specific guidance for Canadian travellers, see our UK ETA for Canadians guide.

Canada eTA eligibility

The Canada eTA is required for visa-exempt foreign nationals flying to Canada. This includes citizens of the United Kingdom, most European countries, Australia, Japan, and many other nations. US citizens are exempt from the eTA requirement due to special arrangements between the two countries. Canadian citizens and permanent residents do not need an eTA.

Transit Requirements

Both the UK and Canada require their respective travel authorisations for transit passengers. If you are connecting through a UK airport, even without leaving the airside transit area, you need a valid UK ETA. Similarly, if your flight connects through a Canadian airport, you need a valid Canada eTA.

One important distinction is that the Canada eTA only applies to air travel. If you are driving across the US-Canada border or arriving by sea, you do not need an eTA (though you still need a valid passport and may need other documentation). The UK ETA, by contrast, applies regardless of your mode of transport, whether you arrive by air, sea, rail, or land.

Travelling to Both the UK and Canada on the Same Trip

Given the strong historical and cultural ties between the UK and Canada, many travellers visit both countries during a single trip. If you are a citizen of a country that is visa-exempt for both nations, you will need both a valid UK ETA and a valid Canada eTA.

Example: An Australian visiting both countries

An Australian traveller planning a three-week trip might fly from Sydney to London, spend ten days in England and Scotland, then fly to Toronto for another ten days exploring Ontario. This traveller would need a UK ETA (£20) and a Canada eTA (C$7). The total cost for both authorisations would be approximately £20, a relatively small expense compared to the overall trip cost.

Both authorisations should be applied for at least two weeks before departure to allow for any unexpected delays, though in practice both are usually processed much faster.

What Happens If Your Application Is Refused?

UK ETA refusal

If your UK ETA application is refused, you can request a free administrative review by a different caseworker. Common reasons for refusal include criminal convictions, previous overstays, or providing incorrect information. If the review is unsuccessful, you may still apply for a Standard Visitor Visa. Read more in our UK ETA refusal help guide.

Canada eTA refusal

Canada does not offer a formal appeal process for eTA refusals. If your eTA is denied, you may reapply if circumstances have changed, or you can apply for a Canadian Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) instead. Reasons for refusal may include criminal inadmissibility, health concerns, or previous immigration violations in Canada.

Key Differences That Matter

Speed of processing

The Canada eTA is typically processed in minutes, while the UK ETA can take up to three working days. For last-minute travellers, this is an important consideration. While many UK ETA applications are also approved quickly, the Canadian system is generally faster.

Application experience

The UK ETA process is more involved, requiring a biometric photograph and a dedicated mobile app. The Canada eTA is a simpler online form without biometric requirements. However, the UK’s app-based approach offers a more modern user experience with passport scanning capabilities.

Coverage

The UK ETA covers all modes of entry (air, sea, rail, land), while the Canada eTA only applies to air travel. This means that if you are driving from the United States to Canada, you do not need an eTA, but driving from France to the UK via the Channel Tunnel does require an ETA.

Cost-effectiveness

At C$7 for five years versus £20 for two years, the Canada eTA offers significantly better value. Over a ten-year period, a frequent traveller would spend C$14 on two Canadian eTAs but £80 on five UK ETAs.

Practical Tips for Travellers

• Apply early for the UK ETA. While Canada’s eTA is usually instant, the UK ETA may take up to three days. Apply at least two weeks before your trip to be safe.
• Use official websites only. Both countries have official application portals. Third-party sites often charge unnecessary premium fees for the same service.
• Check your passport expiry date. Both authorisations are linked to your passport. If your passport expires, so do your travel authorisations, even if they would otherwise still be valid.
• Save your confirmations. Keep screenshots or emails confirming your approvals, even though both are digitally linked to your passport.
• Remember the land border difference. If crossing into Canada by land from the US, you do not need an eTA. But all UK entries require an ETA regardless of how you arrive.
• Consider family costs. The price difference between the two systems adds up for families. Budget £20 per person for the UK and C$7 per person for Canada.

Border Arrival Experience

Arriving in the UK

At major UK airports, most ETA holders can use eGates for automated passport control. Your ETA status is verified electronically when you scan your passport. The process is fast and efficient. For details about the UK arrival process, see our UK border control guide.

Arriving in Canada

Canadian airports use Primary Inspection Kiosks (PIKs) at major entry points, where travellers scan their passport, have their photo taken, and answer declaration questions on a touchscreen. A border officer then reviews your information and may ask additional questions. The process is generally straightforward for eTA holders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my UK ETA to visit Canada?

No. The UK ETA and Canada eTA are completely separate systems operated by different countries. You need each country’s specific authorisation to visit.

Do Canadians need a UK ETA?

Yes. Since April 2025, all Canadian citizens visiting the United Kingdom must hold a valid UK ETA. See our guide for Canadians for detailed information.

Do British citizens need a Canada eTA?

Yes. British citizens flying to or through Canada must hold a valid Canada eTA. The application is completed online and costs C$7.

Which is cheaper?

The Canada eTA at C$7 (approximately £4) is significantly cheaper than the UK ETA at £20. This makes the Canadian system one of the most affordable travel authorisations available worldwide.

Which lasts longer?

The Canada eTA is valid for five years, compared to the UK ETA’s two-year validity. Both expire when your passport expires, whichever comes first.

Can I work in the UK or Canada with these authorisations?

No. Neither the UK ETA nor the Canada eTA permits you to work. Both are designed for short-term visits including tourism, business meetings, family visits, and transit. To work in either country, you need the appropriate work visa or permit.

What if my passport expires during my trip?

Both authorisations are linked to your passport. If your passport expires, your ETA or eTA also becomes invalid. Always ensure your passport will remain valid for the entire duration of your planned stay, plus a reasonable buffer period.

Conclusion

The UK ETA and Canada eTA serve the same fundamental purpose of pre-screening visitors, but they differ meaningfully in cost, validity, processing speed, and coverage. The Canada eTA is cheaper, lasts longer, and is processed faster, but only covers air travel. The UK ETA costs more and has a shorter validity period but covers all modes of entry and offers a more modern application experience through its dedicated app.

For travellers planning visits to both countries, the combined cost of both authorisations remains modest. The key is to plan ahead, use official application channels, and ensure your passport meets the requirements for both destinations. Both the United Kingdom and Canada offer exceptional travel experiences, and their electronic authorisation systems make visiting easier and more secure than ever.

For more about the UK ETA, explore our complete UK ETA guide or our application walkthrough.