Canadian travellers now require an ETA to enter U.K. Here's what to know
Passengers arrive at the Heathrow Airport, in London Saturday, May 27, 2023. Passengers flying into the UK are facing delays at passport controls due to the e-gates are not working. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
Starting Jan. 8, Canadians visiting the U.K. for short trips will need to secure an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before boarding their flight.
Here's what to know:
What is a ETA?
The ETA is a new digital travel requirement for individuals who don’t need a visa to enter the U.K.
The ETA functions similarly to the U.S. version labelled ESTA – a document pre-clearing travellers for entry before they arrive.
Although some may refer to it as a visa, it is considered a visa waiver. It is only intended to be used for stays of up to six months.
Canadians already residing in the U.K or holding a visa are exempt from this requirement, including those who are permitted to live, work or study in the U.K.
How it works
The Canadian federal government said travellers must use the passport listed for their ETA application.
The cost for an ETA is a non-refundable C$18 (£10) charge, and travellers can apply through the official app listed on the U.K. government website, or directly online. Applications are processed within three days but could take longer.
ETAs are valid for two years and multiple entries. Since applications are linked to passports, the issuing of a new passport means travellers will have to apply for a new ETA.
Obtaining an ETA doesn’t guarantee entry to the U.K, according to the government. Travellers will still have to go through passport control and Border Force officials who have the final say over entry into the country.
Canada is among more than 50 countries who can apply for the travel document. The U.K government listed more than 30 additional countries who can apply starting March 5 for an ETA.
Similar systems, like the European Union’s ETIAS is set to launch this year.
To check whether you can apply for an ETA click here.
With files from CNN
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Thousands of structures destroyed in L.A. County's most destructive fire
A series of wildfires tore through densely populated parts of the Los Angeles, Calif. area. Five people have been reported dead. U.S. Gov. Gavin Newsom said thousands of resources have been deployed to contain the fires.
Is the Hollywood sign on fire?
As fires scorch Los Angeles, fake images and videos of a burning Hollywood sign have circulated on social media.
U.S. Supreme Court rejects Trump's bid to delay sentencing in his New York hush money case
A sharply divided U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday rejected president-elect Donald Trump's final bid to put his New York hush-money case on hold, clearing the way for him to be sentenced for felony crimes days before he returns to the presidency.
Ex-Trump adviser says Canada in 'difficult position' amid tariff threat, Trudeau resignation
In the face of a potential tariff war, U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's former national security adviser John Bolton says 'Canada is in a difficult position' in part due to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's resignation and a looming general election.
PM Trudeau says he thinks Trump is using talk of Canada becoming 51st state to distract from tariff impact
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he thinks U.S. president-elect Donald Trump is drumming up drama on Canadian statehood to detract from tariff talks.
Canadian travellers now require an ETA to enter U.K. Here's what to know
Starting Jan. 8, Canadians visiting the U.K. for short trips will need to secure an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before boarding their flight, according to regulations set out by the U.K. government.
'True when I said it, true today': former Canadian PM Harper pushes back against Trump on social media
Former prime minister Stephen Harper doesn’t find U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s jibes about Canada becoming the 51st U.S. state very amusing.
Poilievre says the next Canadian election will be about the carbon price
Pierre Poilievre returned to Ottawa on Thursday after the holidays with a familiar demand for Justin Trudeau: call a carbon-tax election.
More than 150 students sick at University of Guelph, says public health
More than 150 cases of gastroenteritis have been reported at the University of Guelph.
Vancouver
-
'They don't realize it's not marriage. It's slavery': What a B.C. man is doing to free Cambodians trapped by traffickers
Brian McConaghy began his work in Cambodia decades ago, helping the RCMP on investigations to jail to sex predators from B.C. abusing children overseas. Later, his organization, supported by Canadians, built a secure centre in Phnom Penh, where they protect and support those who have been trafficked internationally.
-
'It's pretty wild out there': Canadian living in L.A. describes life near wildfires
The constant smell of smoke is a reminder all over Los Angeles, even in neighbourhoods far from the flames, that the fight against wildfires isn’t over.
-
Calls to improve B.C. building codes as fires rage in California
As fires continue raging in California, there are calls here in B.C. to improve building codes to make structures more resistant to wildfire.
Toronto
-
‘Mama is waiting for you’: Woman appeals for return of 3-year-old son after ex-husband failed to bring him back to Canada
The mother of a three-year-old Toronto boy is urging her former husband who is wanted in a parental abduction investigation to bring their son back to Canada from India.
-
'Not going to happen': Markham jewelry store owner fights off robbers with broomstick
When three masked individuals entered Jewellery Forever and started smashing a display case, Jerry Sorani knew he had to defend the store he has owned for the last 16 years. So, he grabbed a nearby broomstick.
-
Toronto cop injured, 3 arrested after collision involving police cruiser in North York
Three people have been arrested after a vehicle suspected to have been used in a robbery collided with a police cruiser in North York, injuring one officer Thursday night.
Calgary
-
Southeast Calgary business owner charged with sexual assault of young girl in shop
A 63-year-old man has been charged with the sexual assault of a young girl in a southeast Calgary tailor shop.
-
The Confluence undergoes major renovation, exhibits now removed
The Confluence is undergoing a major renovation, the first phase of which began in November.
-
New East Village public washroom, aiming to address past issues, opens alongside new pickleball courts
Residents in Calgary's East Village now have a new space to pick up one of the fastest growing sports in the country.
Ottawa
-
'It's really horrific': Former Ottawa residents in LA evacuated due to fires
Feeling the power of the Santa Ana winds and seeing the massive plumes of smoke off her deck in Topanga Canyon earlier this week, Catherine McClenahan knew it was time to go.
-
Crash involving transport trucks on Highway 401 led to congestion, two more collisions
One person was taken to hospital after their vehicle went into the ditch following congestion caused by an earlier collision involving two transport trucks Thursday afternoon on Highway 401 in eastern Ontario, according to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).
-
Crash involving bicycle in Centretown seriously injures man
The Ottawa Paramedic Service says an adult male was taken to hospital following a collision between a vehicle and a bicycle Thursday afternoon in Centretown.
Montreal
-
Liberal leadership contender Frank Baylis is a Montrealer who says he will stand up to Trump
Meet the Montrealer who wants to replace Justin Trudeau as the new leader of the Liberal Party of Canada.
-
Quebec’s year-long surgery waitlist drops to pandemic-era low, but challenges remain
The number of Quebec patients waiting more than one year for surgery has dropped to 8,824 – the lowest number since the early days of the pandemic – according to the province’s ministry of health.
-
Former clown admits to sexually assaulting more victims
A former clown, who worked at children’s parties, has admitted in Quebec Superior Court to having more sexual assault victims.
Edmonton
-
'Elaborate' solar-powered encampment found in Fulton Creek
Edmonton police have dismantled two large encampments in the Fulton Creek area, including one with electricity.
-
Five hurt in Red Deer industrial fire
Five people are in hospital following an explosion Thursday at a Red Deer industrial site.
-
Alberta resources on standby as wildfires devastate southern California
Alberta's premier says the province is preparing to support California fight a series of wildfires tearing through the Los Angeles area.
Atlantic
-
Suspicious death of woman in Bible Hill ruled a homicide: N.S. RCMP
The RCMP is treating the suspicious death of a woman in Bible Hill, N.S., last week as a homicide.
-
5th woman killed by intimate partner violence in N.S. in 3 months
The RCMP in Nova Scotia says two suspicious deaths in Mahone Bay, N.S., over the weekend were the result of intimate partner violence.
-
Maritimers flee L.A. homes as fires continue to rage
Several Maritimers have fled their homes in Los Angeles amid the historic fires.
Winnipeg
-
Another big tax hike is potentially coming for Brandon residents
Brandon homeowners are facing the possibility of a double-digit tax increase in 2025.
-
Winnipeg man charged with sexually assaulting children at daycare: police
Police have charged a man with sexually assaulting two children at an unlicensed daycare in Winnipeg.
-
'A policing trailblazer': Tributes pour in for MFNPS chief believed to have died in house fire
The remains of Manitoba First Nations Police Service’s (MFNPS) leader are believed to have been found following a fire at his home.
Regina
-
Above average home sales on 18-month streak in Sask.
According to the Saskatchewan Realtors Association, 2024 was the second-best year on record in terms of home sales in the province.
-
Regina man previously wanted on Canada's Most Wanted list makes first court appearance
Twenty-two-year-old Reshuan Norman Cote stood in the prisoner’s box as he made his very first court appearance for his involvement in a homicide last year.
-
Sask. taxidermy business fined more than $7,000, 144 'wildlife exhibits' seized
What began as a "straightforward" inspection of a Saskatchewan taxidermy business quickly became a complex investigation – ultimately leading to more than $7,000 in fines.
Kitchener
-
More than 150 students sick at University of Guelph, says public health
More than 150 cases of gastroenteritis have been reported at the University of Guelph.
-
Ontario family describes 'horrific' experience after being stuck in limbo due to delayed WestJet flight
A family trip to Costa Rica quickly turned into a nightmare for an Ontario family, after their WestJet flight to Canada was delayed.
-
Limited shelter space available for men in Waterloo Region
The deep freeze has created a problem for anyone seeking shelter space in Waterloo Region.
Saskatoon
-
'It feels good': First 28 students from University of Saskatchewan's nursing fast-track program graduate
The first students of a fast-track nursing program at the University of Saskatchewan have graduated. The program aims to address the province's healthcare staffing shortage.
-
Saskatoon restauranteur George Kosmas looks back on a life spent in The Cave
For nearly his entire life, George Kosmas can remember spending days and nights at The Cave.
-
'They are hopeless': Saskatoon family desperate to bring sisters to Canada
Two Saskatoon women are desperately trying to get their loved ones out of Afghanistan, as the Taliban continues to oppress women.
Northern Ontario
-
Alta. man charged and released twice in one night for violence at northern Ont. hotel
Last weekend, an Alberta man was arrested and released for intimate partner violence at a northern Ontario hotel just hours after being charged and released for assaulting a teen with a weapon at the same location.
-
Former Sudbury, Ont., police officer found guilty of 2007 sexual assault
Wayne Foster, a former police officer with the Greater Sudbury Police Service, has been found guilty of sexual assault in connection with an incident Aug. 24, 2007.
-
Superbug outbreak declared at Sault Area Hospital
An outbreak has been declared in a medical unit at the Sault Area Hospital due to a superbug.
London
-
'My mother attacked me': A London manslaughter trial hears a 911 call from the accused
Testimony at the manslaughter trial of Barbara Cabala, 42, got underway in London Thursday.
-
Londoner charged following head-on collision
One person has been charged by Elgin County OPP after a collision occurred Wednesday morning.
-
Woman suspected in north end assault: LPS
On Sunday, Dec. 22, at roughly 8:20 p.m., a woman leaving a business in the area of Fanshawe Park Road East and North Centre Road was assaulted by an unknown woman.
Barrie
-
RVH faces surge in patients amid flu season strain with ER wait times exceeding 8 hours
Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre in Barrie is dealing with unprecedented patient volumes, with occupancy levels far exceeding capacity.
-
Snow squalls blanket Clearview Township, keeping crews and residents busy
Unrelenting snow squalls kept residents and road crews in Clearview Township on their toes Thursday, including one CTV News reporter.
-
OPP officer charged with assault expected to plead guilty
A month before what was supposed to be the start of his trial in Huntsville, Const. Scott Anthony, the suspended Bracebridge OPP officer charged with assaulting a man during an arrest in July 2022 in MacTier, is expected to plead guilty, according to his legal counsel.
Windsor
-
Sentencing date set for Windsor man convicted of careless driving in fatal Retrofest collision
A sentencing date has been set for a Windsor man convicted of careless driving in a fatal Retrofest collision.
-
Teen charged with assault after allegedly spraying bear mace
An 18-year-old man has been charged with assault after he allegedly bear maced someone during an argument in east Windsor.
-
Windsor on par with years-long wait for social housing in the province
The City of Windsor says wait times for social housing align with the provincial average outlined in a new report showing more than 80,000 people experienced homelessness in Ontario in 2024.
Vancouver Island
-
'They don't realize it's not marriage. It's slavery': What a B.C. man is doing to free Cambodians trapped by traffickers
Brian McConaghy began his work in Cambodia decades ago, helping the RCMP on investigations to jail to sex predators from B.C. abusing children overseas. Later, his organization, supported by Canadians, built a secure centre in Phnom Penh, where they protect and support those who have been trafficked internationally.
-
'It's pretty wild out there': Canadian living in L.A. describes life near wildfires
The constant smell of smoke is a reminder all over Los Angeles, even in neighbourhoods far from the flames, that the fight against wildfires isn’t over.
-
Calls to improve B.C. building codes as fires rage in California
As fires continue raging in California, there are calls here in B.C. to improve building codes to make structures more resistant to wildfire.
Kelowna
-
1 hospitalized, residents displaced after Kelowna apartment fire
Firefighters knocked down a blaze on the third floor of a low-rise apartment building near downtown Kelowna Monday afternoon.
-
Lost skiers rescued off B.C. mountain
Search and rescue volunteers in B.C.’s Okanagan successfully reunited two skiers with their family Friday evening.
-
Charges laid after child porn investigation that 'spanned several different countries,' Kelowna RCMP say
Police in Kelowna say an international investigation has led to child pornography charges against a 46-year-old man.
Lethbridge
-
Lethbridge police seek help locating suspect in Wednesday night robbery
Lethbridge police are seeking public assistance to locate a suspect in releation to a robbery.
-
Southern Alberta woman sentenced to house arrest, curfew for fatal collision
A southern Alberta woman has been sentenced for a fatal collision that claimed the life of a 26-year-old Okotoks man in 2023.
-
2 people charged after multiple break-and-enters of Nanton businesses
A Nanton resident and a Claresholm resident have been charged in relation to multiple break-and-enters that took place in southeast Nanton.
Sault Ste. Marie
-
Superbug outbreak declared at Sault Area Hospital
An outbreak has been declared in a medical unit at the Sault Area Hospital due to a superbug.
-
Report confirms spike in the number of homeless people in Ontario
The Association of Municipalities of Ontario has released what it calls a groundbreaking study on the state of homelessness in the province.
-
Man tried to run over dog with a vehicle, northern Ont. police say
A suspended driver who was on probation is accused of trying to harm a dog with a vehicle in Thessalon First Nation in northern Ontario.
N.L.
-
Quebec energy deal touted as new chapter for Newfoundland and Labrador heads for vote
A draft energy deal with Quebec heralded as a game-changer for indebted Newfoundland and Labrador is heading for a vote Thursday night at the legislature in St. John's, N.L.
-
Adviser says Quebec-N.L. energy deal is 'very good,' as Opposition vows not to vote
Newfoundland and Labrador's Opposition Progressive Conservatives vowed Wednesday that they will not vote on a draft energy deal with Quebec's hydro utility until it is scrutinized by independent experts.
-
Newfoundland and Labrador energy deal with Quebec under scrutiny as debate opens
Newfoundland and Labrador politicians are digging into the details of the province's draft energy deal with Quebec as four days of debate begin today in St. John's, N.L.
Local Spotlight
'Loving each other, building memories:' B.C. couple facing life-threatening illnesses cherishes every day
Hayley and Bill Atkinson’s love story begins that night he abruptly left in the middle of playing a card game with friends, and didn’t return for a long time.
Long live the King: N.B. tribute artist to honour Elvis' 90th birthday with special performance
Though it has been nearly five decades since Elvis' death, his music and influence continue to inspire fans around the world, including tribute artist Thane Dunn of Moncton, N.B.
4 generations on 1 lot: One family's creative response to B.C.'s housing crisis
A single lot in Delta, B.C., that used to be home to a single rancher built in the 80s is the site of four separate homes, housing four generations of the same family.
'Unacceptable': Removal of beaver dam in Manitoba community sends surge downstream
The removal of a beaver dam in a rural Manitoba community is having some unintended consequences, sending a small flood downstream, catching residents off-guard.
Project Linus: Moncton group marks 15 years of handing out blankets to thousands of children
For 15 years, those who volunteer for the Greater Moncton chapter of Project Linus have been making blankets for children who need comfort at challenging time in their lives.
Social media-famous corgi from Kitchener, Ont. rescues owner
A captivating canine is being hailed as a hero after one of his owners took a terrifying fall.
These 90-year-old identical twins were born on a Saskatchewan farm, but grew to love the city
Rose Worona and Anne Skwarchuk were born in 1935 on a farm near Hafford. Now, they’re celebrating their 90th birthday together.
'Crawl bearers' carry mosaic bar top 2 km to new home
In a move signalling the beginning of a new era, staff and patrons carried Phog Lounge’s approximately 400-pound mosaic bar top through the downtown.
Elvis Gratton actor Julien Poulin has died at 78
Actor Julien Poulin passed away at the age of 78 on Saturday.. Born in Montreal on April 20, 1946, Poulin appeared in some 100 films. His most memorable role was certainly that of Bob Gratton in the cult classic trilogy 'Elvis Gratton', directed by his friend Pierre Falardeau.
Politics
-
Poilievre says the next Canadian election will be about the carbon price
Pierre Poilievre returned to Ottawa on Thursday after the holidays with a familiar demand for Justin Trudeau: call a carbon-tax election.
-
PM Trudeau says he thinks Trump is using talk of Canada becoming 51st state to distract from tariff impact
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he thinks U.S. president-elect Donald Trump is drumming up drama on Canadian statehood to detract from tariff talks.
-
Canada could impose tariffs on U.S. steel, orange juice in response to Trump threat
Canadian officials are narrowing a list of American products to target in the event the federal government must respond to U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, CTV News has confirmed.
Health
-
B.C. teen with avian flu discharged after weeks in hospital
BC Children’s Hospital says a 13-year-old girl with avian flu was discharged Tuesday after weeks in hospital.
-
More than 150 students sick at University of Guelph, says public health
More than 150 cases of gastroenteritis have been reported at the University of Guelph.
-
Overdose deaths in Ontario increasingly involve more than one drug, new report says
An increasing number of overdose deaths in Ontario involves the use of more than one drug, with the combination of opioids and stimulants proving to be especially dangerous, a new report says.
Sci-Tech
-
'Really unique': Ice core drilled by U of M scientist could unlock climate history
A Manitoba researcher was part of a historic research team that uncovered the oldest ice core ever retrieved.
-
What parents need to know about the PowerSchool data breach
The attacker behind the data breach impacting several school boards across the Greater Toronto Area and abroad may have gotten access to staff and students' personal and sensitive information, PowerSchool says.
-
These 'Worst in Show' CES products put your data at risk and cause waste, privacy advocates say
A panel of self-described dystopia experts has judged some CES products as 'Worst in Show' to call out the 'least repairable, least private, and least sustainable products on display.'
Entertainment
-
Alec Baldwin sues for malicious prosecution after judge dismissed case of fatal 'Rust' set shooting
Actor Alec Baldwin has filed a civil lawsuit for malicious prosecution and civil rights violations in the fatal shooting of a cinematographer on the set of the western movie 'Rust.'
-
Mandy Moore, Billy Crystal and Paris Hilton among celebrities whose homes were destroyed in L.A. wildfires
Paris Hilton, Adam Brody and Billy Crystal were among the celebrities who lost their homes in the devastating wildfires that swept through Los Angeles.
-
George Stroumboulopoulos opens doors to friends as L.A. rallies amid fires
Eight people, two dogs and a cat found refuge in George Stroumboulopoulos's Los Angeles home as wildfires raged through parts of the city, fuelled by ferocious Santa Ana winds.
Business
-
Uber Eats app at centre of B.C. distracted driving dispute
Is tapping the screen of a cellphone once enough to warrant a ticket for using an electronic device while driving in B.C.? That's the question a judge had to answer in a recent case.
-
'Shark Tank's' Kevin O'Leary and billionaire Frank McCourt want to buy TikTok. One problem: It's not for sale
A group formed by billionaire entrepreneur and former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt has made a formal offer to buy TikTok from its China-based parent company, ByteDance. The group, which calls itself The People’s Bid for TikTok and is also backed by 'Shark Tank'-famous investor Kevin O’Leary, said Thursday it had delivered a proposal to ByteDance to acquire TikTok’s US assets.
-
Grocery code of conduct board hires former Fertilizer Canada CEO as adjudicator
The board heading up Canada's grocery code of conduct has hired an adjudicator to oversee the code's implementation.
Lifestyle
-
Working Well: Saying no is hard, but setting boundaries can improve your health
Setting boundaries at work, and in life, can be tricky. Many people find it difficult to say no, especially to a manager. Some get a sense of satisfaction from being needed or pleasing others.
-
Long live the King: N.B. tribute artist to honour Elvis' 90th birthday with special performance
Though it has been nearly five decades since Elvis' death, his music and influence continue to inspire fans around the world, including tribute artist Thane Dunn of Moncton, N.B.
-
If there's a 'Father of Craft Beers,' it might be former President Jimmy Carter
In 1978, President Carter signed into law a bill that legalized homebrewing. Like most inventions, this new style of ale didn't stay inside garages for long.
Sports
-
NBA postpones game between Lakers and Hornets due to wildfires in Los Angeles area
The NBA postponed the Los Angeles Lakers’ home game against the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday with several massive wildfires burning across the greater Los Angeles area.
-
U.S. swimmer Gary Hall Jr. says he lost everything in Palisades wildfire – including 10 Olympic medals
Former U.S. Olympian Gary Hall Jr. won 10 Olympic medals and six world championship medals in his swimming career. He believes he’s lost them all in the Palisades wildfire, he said to the Sydney Morning Herald.
-
U.K. Athletics charged with manslaughter following death of Paralympian
UK Athletics – the governing body for track and field in the United Kingdom – and a former official have been charged with manslaughter following the death of a 36-year-old Paralympian in 2017, the Crown Prosecution Service announced on Wednesday.
Autos
-
From AI assistants to holographic displays, automakers showcase in-cabin experiences at CES
Automakers pulled out all the stops to showcase their latest advances for in-vehicle experiences at CES, the Consumer Technology Association’s annual trade show of all things tech, in Las Vegas this week.
-
U.S. probing about 2.6 million Tesla vehicles over 'Actually Smart Summon' feature
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on Tuesday it has opened a probe into 2.6 million Tesla vehicles in the United States over reports of crashes involving a feature that allows users to move their cars remotely.
-
Waterloo Regional Police Service helps recover 20 stolen vehicles in Hamilton, Ont.
Waterloo Regional Police Services helped recover 20 stolen vehicles in Hamilton, Ont.
